Businesses along Bengaluru-Mysuru highway fear impact of proposed decentralised tolling system

Businesses coming up near entry and exit points along the Bengaluru-Mysuru Access Control Expressway are worried about their future as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to introduce a decentralized tolling system with multiple toll plazas along the corridor and plans to close existing entry/exit points.

NHAI plans to set up toll collection points at various entry and exit points along the 119-km highway, replacing the current system where vehicles pay fixed fares at designated toll plazas. Under the proposed model, drivers will be charged based on the actual distance they travel.

But the move has triggered concerns among entrepreneurs who have invested heavily in hotels, restaurants, gas stations, commercial buildings, convenience stores, auto service centers and other roadside businesses near existing access points and expect a steady stream of customers from the 10-lane highway.

Many fear their businesses could suffer serious losses if entry and exit points are moved, altered or closed as part of the new charging regulation.

Anil Kumar, who opened a restaurant about 350 meters from the Nidaghatta entry and exit point two years ago, said the investment was made after assessing the potential of the area to attract highway commuters.

“I opened this restaurant because passengers using the highway can easily exit here, have a meal and continue their journey. We invested our savings in the belief that this access point would remain operational. Now we are hearing that some entry and exit points may be changed or closed as part of the new pricing system. If this happens, our customer traffic will decrease significantly and we may face huge losses,” he said.

concerns

Property owners developing commercial infrastructure near the highway are voicing similar concerns.

Ganesh R., who has built a commercial building near Byrapatna village and leases the space to several businesses, said uncertainty around future access arrangements is already affecting business activities in the area. “I invested millions of rupees to build this property because the location was close to an entry and exit point. Many establishments booked space here, expecting customers from the highway. Recently, the entry point was closed and only the exit remained operational. Many establishments have since reported a decrease in customers.”

We are also concerned about what will happen if future toll booths are located far from existing access points. He said businesses that had already invested in the existing road network could be severely affected.

Another entrepreneur, Mahesh KN, who runs a fuel station and convenience store along the corridor, said NHAI should have consulted stakeholders before implementing major changes.

“We are not against development or a better pricing system. However, authorities should engage with local businesses and ensure that existing investments are protected. If access points need to be shifted, suitable alternatives should be offered so that businesses are not isolated from highway traffic,” he said.