Toll towards airport starts amid security

Following the court order for police protection to ensure smooth toll collection, the Navayuga Devanahalli Toll Plaza Ltd (NDTPL) began collecting toll on the Kempegowda International Airport route from Wednesday evening.

The company began toll collection from 5 pm on Wednesday, as the high court on Monday ordered the principal secretary, home department, and city police commissioner to ensure police protection.

NDTPL project manager Srinivas Kiran told DH that the toll collection started with police protection and traffic along the road is smooth. The company charges Rs 85 for single entry for two-wheelers and Rs 130 for the returning vehicles.

Smooth flow of traffic

Four mobile booths were put up in addition to the 16 along the route to the airport for smooth traffic flow, while separate single lanes have been created on either sides for vehicles moving further along the highway.

NDTPL sought permission from the National Highways Authority of India and the state government to put up toll booths toward the airport, complaining that motorists are taking the toll-free road from Begur with an intent to dodge paying toll while using the entry road to KIA, which was free.

Cabs from Whitefield, Marathahalli, KR Puram and Mahadevapura began taking the alternative route as the state government made the Begur road toll free.

Having obtained permission, the company had made all arrangements to collect toll, but the police refused to give protection, citing shortage of manpower due to the May 12 Assembly elections.

NDTPL, however, had moved the high court to force the police’s hand for security.