Get set to pay airport toll

The airport toll is back to haunt passengers, taxi drivers and large vehicles. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is all set to re-introduce tolling on Bellary Road at Sadarahalli Gate. Last year the NHAI had built toll booths at Sadarhalli Gate, just before the International Airport, but they were damaged in the protests by the taxi drivers and local public. The project was later shelved, but the NHAI has now started constructing new booths in the same place.

When contacted, regional director of NHAI Bengaluru, R K Gupta confirmed that the tolling will be introduced in the next 10 days. “The project was halted due to opposition from the local people and taxi drivers. However, the Centre has given a green signal and the new booths are being constructed at the site,” Gupta said. As per the National Highway Fees (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 cars, buses and heavy commercial vehicles have to pay Rs 20, Rs 60 and Rs 120 respectively. The NHAI is tolling to facilitate construction of three elevated expressways between Hebbal Flyover and BIA, besides widening NH-7 to six lanes in the same stretch.

However, the decision of NHAI has not pleased the taxi drivers associations who are demanding that NHAI completes the projects first, and then levy toll charges. G R Shanmugappa, President of the Federation of Karnataka Sand Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FKLOAA), threatened that the taxi drivers will go on strike if the NHAI go ahead with tolling before widening the highway. “Nowhere in the country are airport-going vehicles tolled. There is a 13 km signal-free stretch to reach Hyderabad airport, but vehicles don’t have to pay any extra money along the way. How can government give the consent against common man’s interests? The NHAI can toll the vehicles if there is a signal-free access to airport. When the vehicles have to steer through congestion to reach airport why should they pay?” asked Shanmugappa.

At Sadarahalli, the toll booths are being remade by the NHAI team. The old booths have been taken off and new ones are being built. By the next week the new booths will be ready to operate. There are eight booths and one can expect some chaos at the entry points, once they are operational. About 25,000 private taxis ply in and out of international airport, besides vehicles going to airport and Andhra Pradesh.