Bangalore, Nov 9 (DHNS): The State Government has decided to approach the Centre against the levying of toll on vehicles going towards the Bangalore International Airport (BIA) on NH-7.

“I will speak with the NHAI and get the toll reversed. It is not right to collect toll fee from vehicles going to the airport,” State Transport Minister R Ashoka said. The State’s contention is on the grounds that BIA is a City airport.

As the State firms up plans to cancel toll fee, the NHAI is gearing up to set a benchmark for the toll rates. NHAI Manager (Technical) Ravi Sudhakar said though the final toll charges for use of the highway was yet to be notified, they would be tentatively levied as per the 2008 rate.

“A single trip in four wheeler should cost around Rs 15. The prices will have to be adjusted against inflation,” he said. This apart, daily passes and monthly passes would be available at Rs 25 and Rs 560 respectively.

People living within 10 kilometre radius of the toll booth could avail themselves of a discount by subscribing for a local pass that will cost little less than Rs 100 per month, he added. The toll booth has been set up as per an agreement between the NHAI and a private company to build a traffic-free corridor between Hebbal and the airport.

As per the NHAI project, the existing four-lane highway between Hebbal and Yelahanka (Kogilu Junction) on NH-7 will be upgraded into a 22.12-km-long elevated six-lane expressway. Also, a two-lane service road will be laid on either side of the NH-7, making the stretch a sprawling 10-lane National Highway.

Street lights

Flyovers and underpasses will be built at five junctions on the road from Kogilu junction to give the road a touch of class. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is maintaining street lights on the stretch, though the area is out of its jurisdiction.

The stretch up to Devenahalli could come under the BBMP limits, if Urban Development Department approves a proposal on the extension.