Businesses along Bengaluru-Mysuru highway fear impact of proposed decentralised tolling system, new entry/exit points

Businesses that have come up near entry and exit points along the Bengaluru-Mysuru Access Controlled Highway are worried about their future as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to introduce a decentralised tolling system with multiple toll plazas across the corridor and is planning to shut existing entry/exit points on the stretch.

The NHAI is planning to establish toll collection points at various entry and exit locations along the 119-km highway, replacing the existing system under which vehicles pay a fixed toll at designated toll plazas. Under the proposed model, motorists will be charged based on the actual distance travelled.

However, the move has triggered concerns among entrepreneurs who have invested heavily in hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, commercial buildings, convenience stores, automobile service centres and other roadside businesses near existing access points, expecting a steady flow of customers from the 10-lane highway.

Many fear that if entry and exit points are relocated, modified or closed as part of the new tolling arrangement, their businesses could suffer significant losses.

Anil Kumar, who started a restaurant around 350 metres from the Nidaghatta entry and exit point two years ago, said that the investment was made after assessing the location’s potential to attract highway travellers.

“I opened this restaurant because commuters using the expressway could conveniently exit here, have a meal and continue their journey. We invested our savings believing this access point would remain operational. Now we are hearing that some entry and exit points may be modified or closed as part of the new tolling system. If that happens, our customer footfall will drop drastically and we may face huge losses,” he said.

Concerns

Similar concerns are being voiced by property owners who have developed commercial infrastructure near the highway.

Ganesh R., who constructed a commercial building near Byrapatna village and rented the space to few businesses, said that uncertainty surrounding future access arrangements has already affected commercial activity in the area. “I invested crores of rupees to build this property because the location was close to an entry and exit point. Several businesses have taken space here expecting customers from the highway. Recently, the entry point was closed and only the exit remains operational. Since then, many establishments have reported a decline in customers.”

We are also worried about what will happen if future toll plazas are established away from existing access points. Businesses that have already invested based on the current road network could be severely affected he said.

Another entrepreneur Mahesh K.N., who is operating a fuel station and convenience store along the corridor, said that the NHAI should consult stakeholders before implementing major changes.

“We are not against development or a better tolling system. But the authorities should engage with local businesses and ensure that existing investments are protected. If access points have to be shifted, suitable alternatives must be provided so that businesses do not become isolated from highway traffic,” he said.