NHAI’s Heartless Move: Daily Travel Costs Skyrocket While Public Struggles to Make Ends Meet
Bengaluru, March 28, 2025 – In a blatant disregard for the financial struggles of ordinary citizens, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), backed by an indifferent government, has ruthlessly imposed yet another toll hike across Karnataka, squeezing already burdened commuters with higher travel costs.
Starting April 1, motorists using the Ballari Road expressway to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will be forced to pay more—cars now charged Rs. 120 (up from Rs. 115) for a single trip, while return journeys jump to Rs. 180 (from Rs. 170). The hike, dressed up as an “annual inflation adjustment,” is nothing short of daylight robbery by a government that cares more about revenue than people’s survival.
Who Bears the Brunt?
- Working-class commuters, already battling fuel price hikes, will now bleed more money just to get to work.
- Taxi and airport travelers, including middle-class families and professionals, face unjustified extra costs.
- Truckers and bus operators, the backbone of Karnataka’s economy, are hit hardest—tolls for buses and trucks surge by Rs. 15-20 per trip, further crippling small businesses.
Government’s Betrayal on STRR & Nationwide Extortion
The Satellite Toll Ring Road (STRR), built under the much-hyped Bharatmala project, will also see sharp increases, with cars paying Rs. 5 more per trip and buses Rs. 10-20 extra.
But the worst is yet to come—nationwide toll rates will jump by 5% from June 3, affecting 855 toll plazas across India. The government delayed this hike until after elections, proving it knows how unpopular this move is.
Voices of the Victims
Apoorva, a daily commuter:
“First fuel prices, now tolls—how are we supposed to survive? The government only cares about filling its own pockets.”
Rajesh, a truck driver:
“Every year, they increase tolls but never improve roads. We pay more for the same potholes and traffic jams!”
Zubair, a cab driver:
“My earnings are already down, and now this? The rich won’t feel it, but for us, it’s another nail in the coffin.”
Aratrika, a student activist:
“This is economic violence against the poor. The government taxes us at every turn but gives nothing back.”
NHAI’s Hollow Justification
K.B. Jayakumar, NHAI Project Director, coldly stated:
“Every year, toll rates are revised based on inflation.”
But where is the corresponding increase in public services? Where are the better roads, reduced congestion, or fair alternatives? The government’s only answer is to keep taking more from the people while giving less in return.
The Bigger Picture: A Government at War with Its Own People
This toll hike is not just about a few extra rupees—it’s about a system designed to exploit the working class. While politicians enjoy taxpayer-funded luxuries, ordinary Indians are forced to pay more for basic mobility.
When will this extortion end?
When will the government prioritize people over profits? Enough is enough. The public demands a rollback—NOW, say common people.
#TollTaxLoot | #StopTollHike | #GovernmentAgainstPeople | #KarnatakaProtests
Q & A
Q: Why is the government increasing toll rates again?
A: Officially, they claim it’s due to inflation. Unofficially, it’s because they see highways as cash cows—not public infrastructure. While fuel prices and living costs soar, the government’s solution? Squeeze even more from struggling citizens.
Q: Who suffers the most from these toll hikes?
A: Daily wage workers, truckers, cab drivers, and middle-class commuters—people who can least afford it. Meanwhile, politicians and bureaucrats enjoy toll-free VIP travel at taxpayer expense.
Q: What do we get in return for paying higher tolls?
A: Potholes, traffic jams, and zero accountability. NHAI collects crores, but roads remain death traps. Where does the money really go?
Q: Why was the nationwide hike delayed until after elections?
A: Because the government KNEW it was unpopular. Now that voting is over, they’re free to stab commuters in the back.
Q: What’s the alternative to endless toll hikes?
A: Scrap the toll mafia! Fund highways through taxes, not daily extortion. If Japan and Europe can have smooth, toll-free roads, why can’t India?
Q: What can people do to fight this injustice?
A: Protest. Boycott. Demand answers. Tweet with #TollTaxLoot, tag @NHAI_Official & @PMOIndia. If enough people REFUSE to stay silent, the government will have to listen.
