3 min readBengaluruJan 10, 2024 09:24 PM IST
First published on: Jan 10, 2024 at 09:24 PM IST
The Karnataka unit of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded a contract worth Rs 36.5 crore to two companies for building toilet blocks, food outlets and foot overbridges along the 118km Bengaluru-Mysore expressway.
NHAI officials stated that the access-controlled highway would get four toilet blocks, two Nest (Mini) facilities—to provide drinking water, tea and coffee, packaged food and toilets including for physically challenged persons—and 24 foot overbridges, for which work orders were issued last month.
The NHAI has received flak from commuters travelling between Mysore and Bengaluru for the lack of basic facilities like washrooms, petrol bunks and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure along the expressway.
According to Rahul Gupta, NHAI project director, one Nest (Mini) facility and one toilet block on either side of the highway will be set up at the Sheshagirihalli Toll Plaza in Ramanagara district and at Gananguru in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district, respectively.
While the contract value for setting up Nest (Mini) and toilet blocks is Rs 1.5 crore, it is Rs 35 crore for setting up 24 foot overbridges.
Speaking to indianexpress.com, Gupta said, “The two companies which have been awarded the contract will be responsible for executing and maintaining the facilities. The foot overbridges have been part of the project plan and have also been a demand of villagers along the expressway. After holding discussions with panchayat members and other stakeholders, we have decided to set up 24 foot overbridges at different locations of the expressway. We expect the foot overbridges to be ready by December this year, while toilet blocks and refreshment outlets should be ready by March.”
GPS-based toll collection soon
The Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway is one of the two highways selected by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to pilot the new GPS-based toll collection system. It is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and ensuring accuracy by charging commuters for the exact distance travelled on highways.
The ministry has initiated geofencing efforts to precisely calculate toll charges, taking into account the distance covered by vehicles. Initially, the GPS-based toll collection system will be exclusive to the over 18 lakh commercial vehicles already equipped with GPS-based location tracking systems.
The system’s primary objective is to elevate the efficiency and accuracy of toll payments.
As per a notification issued by the NHAI, the toll rates for various vehicles are as follows: for cars, SUVs and vans, the one-way toll will be Rs 155 and for a return journey within 24 hours, it will be Rs 235; light commercial vehicles, light goods vehicles and minibuses will be charged Rs 235 for a one-way trip and Rs 375 for a return journey within 24 hours; and trucks and buses with two axles will have to pay Rs 525 for a one-way trip and Rs 790 for a return journey within 24 hours.
This new toll will be in addition to the existing toll on the Bengaluru-Nidaghatta stretch. The NHAI will also provide a monthly pass priced at Rs 330 for non-commercial vehicles travelling within a 20 km radius from the toll plaza.
The NHAI has received flak from commuters travelling between Mysore and Bengaluru for the lack of basic facilities. (File photo) 
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