Bengaluru: From June 14, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will commence toll collection on the entire stretch of the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) from Dabaspet to Hoskote. This development marks a significant milestone in the project aimed at easing traffic congestion around Bengaluru.
Motorists using the 80-kilometre Ring Road, which links Tumakuru Road with Bengaluru–Kolar Road via Doddaballapur and Devanahalli, will now be required to pay Rs 185 for a single journey and Rs 275 for a return journey within the same day. The 34-kilometre stretch between Doddaballapur and Hoskote was opened to the public last November, with toll collection initiated at the Nelluru-Devanahalli toll plaza. However, the commissioning of the remaining stretch faced delays due to pending works. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the project on March 11, just before the implementation of the model code of conduct for the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, which subsequently postponed the toll collection for the Dabaspet-Doddaballapur stretch.
An NHAI official stated that a public notice has been issued for the commencement of toll collection at the Hulikunte toll plaza for the 40-kilometre stretch from Dabaspet to Doddaballapur. “The opening of the first Ring Road under the STRR project has significantly alleviated traffic congestion within the city limits. Vehicles from Tumakuru Road heading towards Hoskote can now bypass city roads by taking this route. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 trucks and other vehicles use STRR daily. With the impending opening of the Bengaluru-Chennai expressway, the volume of vehicles on STRR is expected to rise further, as it provides direct access to the expressway at Hoskote,” the official explained.
In a bid to enhance road safety, NHAI, in collaboration with the police, has identified eight locations along STRR for the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems. This initiative aims to curb dangerous driving behaviours, particularly youth engaging in bike stunts, which pose risks to themselves and other motorists. “We have noticed an increase in such activities since the highway opened. With the help of the police, we will implement measures to address traffic violations,” the official added.
Furthermore, the highways authority has identified 15 locations for the construction of new bus stops, and plans to build foot-over bridges at 12 locations to ensure pedestrian safety. The commencement of toll collection on STRR is expected to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion in Bengaluru’s urban areas. As the city continues to grow, such infrastructure projects are crucial in managing the increasing vehicular load and enhancing overall road safety.
