Rs 19/km: Bengaluru's tunnel road toll goes up even before take-off

Bengaluru: Even before construction begins, the proposed tunnel road has seen a hike in toll rate. 

The 16.75-km stretch, where the proposed toll was Rs 16 per km in the feasibility report, is now projected to cost Rs 19 per km as per the detailed project report (DPR).

The two reports were prepared in a gap of six months. 

This means vehicle users could pay up to Rs 318 for a one-way trip. 

Experts want the authorities to conduct a "willingness to pay" survey among vehicle users to understand the affordability and viability of the project. Without such a study, they fear the tunnel could end up underutilised. 

In the DPR, Rodic Consultants recommended Rs 19/km based on traffic density and probability of traffic increase along the corridor. 

The report also compares this rate with Mumbai's trans-harbour elevated road, which charges Rs 250 for a 22-km stretch. Authorities note that Rs 19 per km charge is justified, especially since the tunnel is expected to become operational only in 2029–30. 

As per the Cabinet decision, the tunnel road will cost Rs 17,780 crore. It will be taken up under modified Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model. The government will contribute 40% of the cost and the remaining 60% to be borne by the construction firm. However, it's unclear whether the toll revenue will be shared between the government and the private developer. 

Mobility expert Satya Arikutharam has been campaigning against the project, arguing it is based on a "recycled DPR and lacks a current traffic survey". "We are deeply disappointed that the government is undermining public transport by pushing an unnecessary and unscientific project designed primarily for cars,” he said.