Bengaluru airport toll plaza achieves decade-high record with ₹308 crore collection in FY24

The Bengaluru airport toll plaza Devanahalli (Sadahalli) plaza, situated near Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, recorded its highest-ever toll collection, amassing ₹308.01 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks a significant milestone as decade-long data reveals it is the highest among the 42 toll plazas across Karnataka, and a quantum leap from ₹125.75 crore in 2014-15.

The Bengaluru airport toll plaza Devanahalli (Sadahalli) plaza, situated near Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, recorded its highest-ever toll collection, amassing ₹308.01 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks a significant milestone as decade-long data reveals it is the highest among the 42 toll plazas across Karnataka, and a quantum leap from ₹125.75 crore in 2014-15.

The overall toll collection from Karnataka’s toll plazas in 2023-24 is ₹2,859.90 crore, generated by over 40 toll plazas across the State, according to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

In a detailed response to a query raised by a member of the Rajya Sabha on Indian toll plazas, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari shared the data, which highlights a robust growth in toll revenues in the last 10 years (2014-15 to 2023-24).

The Bengaluru-Nelamangala Plaza, generated ₹103.41 crore in 2023-24, compared to ₹59.31 crore in 2014-15.

Speaking about the drastic increase in toll collection over the past 10 years, especially on the Bengaluru airport road and the Bengaluru-Nelamangala plaza, which connects the capital city to the rest of Karnataka, traffic expert M.N. Srihari said that such figures underscore the rapid rise in vehicular traffic along this vital economic corridor.

“The steep increase in collections, especially at the Nelamangala and Devanahalli plazas, reflects heightened connectivity demands and urban sprawl surrounding Bengaluru. As Karnataka continues to expand its highway network, toll revenue will remain a critical funding source. However, balancing revenue collection with user satisfaction and ensuring toll-free access after concession periods will be key to maintaining public trust,” Mr. Srihari added.

The Bengaluru airport road, already one of the busiest in the city, is generating significant toll revenue, raising questions about transparency in its management, according to the Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association (KSTOA). “It is imperative for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to disclose detailed data on the expenses incurred for the project, toll collected, and the revenue allocated for its maintenance,” said Radhakrishna Holla, president of KSTOA.