Locals oppose NHAI’s move to close entry and exit points on Bengaluru – Mysuru Highway
The Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has come under criticism from residents after it began closing temporary entry and exit points along the Bengaluru
The Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has come under criticism from residents after it began closing temporary entry and exit points along the Bengaluru – Mysuru Access-Controlled Highway in the Bidadi, Ramanagara, and Channapatna stretches. Sources in NHAI have cited revenue losses caused by motorists using service roads to bypass toll plazas, but the move has sparked strong opposition from commuters and residents. When the access-controlled highway was opened, temporary entry and exit points were provided at several locations to ensure convenient access for residents of Bidadi, Ramanagara, and Channapatna. However, the NHAI has now started shutting down these access points one by one, prompting concerns that the decision will significantly inconvenience thousands of daily commuters. The temporary access point at Dasappanadoddi near Bidadi has already been partially closed. Earlier, motorists could both enter and exit the highway at the location. Now, only entry from the Mysuru – Bengaluru carriageway is permitted, while the exit has been sealed.
Similarly, on the Bengaluru – Mysuru carriageway, the entry has been closed, leaving only the exit operational, according to commuters. A similar arrangement is being implemented near Sangabasavanadoddi in Ramanagara, where preparations are under way to close the exit used by motorists travelling from Mysuru towards Ramanagara. Disappointing Residents said that the closures are particularly disappointing as the long-promised distance-based toll collection system, which was expected to make travel more affordable for those commuting to nearby towns and villages, has still not been implemented. They argue that instead of introducing the new tolling system, the NHAI has begun restricting access, increasing inconvenience for local travellers. Ravi Gowda, a resident of Bidadi, said that the decision would affect thousands of people who depend on the highway every day. “Thousands of people from Mandya, Mysuru and surrounding areas travel to Ramanagara every day for work, education, business, and government-related services.
They use this highway because it saves a considerable amount of travel time. If the Ramanagara exit is closed merely in the name of protecting toll revenue, it will unfairly penalise genuine commuters. Residents are not trying to avoid paying tolls; they simply need reasonable access to the highway that passes through their own region,” he said. Mohith Kumar, a resident of Ramanagara, questioned the purpose of the access-controlled highway if residents are being denied convenient access. “This highway was built at a cost of thousands of crores using public money. Are the people of Bidadi, Ramanagara, and Channapatna not supposed to use it? On one hand, motorists are required to pay high toll charges, and on the other, the entry and exit points that residents depend on are being closed. If people living along the highway cannot conveniently access it, then what is the real benefit of such a massive infrastructure project?” he asked.
The BriefWire