Summary: Karnataka’s toll network spans 68 locations but revenue is concentrated in a few high traffic corridors such as around Bengaluru. The airport connectivity along with expressway upgrades drive the highest earnings. A recent toll rate hike of around 5% is expected to further increase collections.
Karnataka’s toll infrastructure shows a glimpse of the state’s economic geography rather than a uniform spread of traffic. According to data compiled by GoodReturns, there are 68 operational toll plazas across the state covering national highways and major intercity routes. Despite this wide network, toll revenue is not evenly distributed. A small number of locations primarily those linked to Bengaluru and key corridors account for a disproportionate share of collections. These routes experience continuous vehicle movement which makes them the busiest and most financially significant toll points in Karnataka.
How Does a Toll Work?
A toll is a fee that is charged to users for the use of highways and expressways and it is designed to recover the cost of maintaining the road infrastructure. In India the toll collection on national highways is overseen by the National Highways Authority of India. In operational terms, vehicles are charged based on their category with commercial vehicles paying higher rates than private cars. The widespread use of the FASTag electronic toll collection system has automated this process and it allows toll amounts to be deducted digitally without stopping traffic. Because thousands of vehicles pass through busy toll plazas every day, even modest per-vehicle charges accumulate into large sum annual revenues especially on high-density corridors.
1. Devanahalli Toll Plaza
The Devanahalli toll sits comfortably in our list as the highest earning location in Karnataka. This is situated along the highway connecting Bengaluru to its international airport. It benefits from a continuous mix of passenger traffic, cargo movement, and interstate vehicles. The reported financial data indicates annual collections of approximately ₹308 crore in FY24 placing it well ahead of other toll locations in the state. Its performance is driven by consistency which makes it one of the most stable revenue generating toll assets in Karnataka.
2. Gananguru Toll Plaza
Gananguru is also one of the busiest plus highest earning toll points on the upgraded Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway. This corridor has seen a sharp rise in usage following improved road conditions. The cumulative collections at this plaza are reported to be around ₹325 crore. This high number reflects increased intercity travel and higher vehicle throughput. The expressway’s efficiency has directly resulted in stronger toll revenues across its network.
3. Kaniminike Toll Plaza
This plaza is located at the end of Bengaluru and sees a large share of outbound traffic from the city. The reason behind being the highest earning toll is the constant and steady usage from both daily commuters and far away travellers. Reported earnings stand at approximately ₹282 crore (cumulative), underlining the route’s popularity and consistent traffic flow.
4. Sheshagirihalli Toll Plaza
Sheshagirihalli functions as a mid-corridor toll plaza on the Mysuru expressway that benefits from uninterrupted movement across the route. Reputable industry experts suggest a cumulative collection of about ₹248 crore. These reports further push the Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor’s role as one of the most important tolls when it comes to revenue clusters in Karnataka.
5. Attibele Toll Plaza
Attibele is among the busiest inter-state toll plazas in the state of Karnataka which is located on the Bengaluru–Hosur industrial corridor. It handles a high volume of commercial vehicles moving between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. While standardised revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, its traffic intensity places it among the most significant contributors to overall toll collections in operational terms.
Also read: 4 Mega Expressways Around Bengaluru Driving Property Prices Up to 40% in Nearby Areas
Karnataka Toll Revenue Trend
Karnataka’s overall toll collections have grown steadily. The recent industry data and government reports indicates that the revenues have increased from approx ₹3,049 crore in FY23 to ₹3,839 crore in FY24 and further to around ₹4,224 crore in FY25. This growth indicates a rising vehicle density along with improved highway infrastructure and the gains brought by digital tolling systems. It also highlights the increasing reliance on road networks for both passenger and two and fro movement across the state.
Toll Rates Increased by Around 5%
According to the latest news from The Hindu, it is mentioned that a senior NHAI official mentioned that the increase is expected to be moderate this year. The official added that the proposed revision in toll charges would most likely be in the range of up to 5% which is in line with the Wholesale Price Index. This revision strengthens toll revenues by increasing per-vehicle collections even as traffic volumes continue to grow. At the same time it adds marginally to transportation costs particularly for logistics operators and frequent commuters.
What This Means & Why is it Important
Toll payments are small at an individual level but significant in aggregate. These daily transactions form a steady revenue stream. When we speak from the point of view of individuals, the rising toll rates can gradually increase commuting expenses and indirectly affect the cost of goods through higher transport charges. However from an investment perspective, toll roads represent stable infrastructure assets. In simple terms, the busiest roads could make the most reliable income as toll infrastructure continues to play a growing role in both public financing and investment strategies.
Final Words
Karnataka’s busiest tolls are due to its location rather than number. Though the state has many toll plazas, revenue is concentrated where traffic density, economic activity, and infrastructure quality intersect. Devanahalli leads as the highest earner while the Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway has emerged as a major secondary revenue hub. As toll rates keep on increasing and vehicle movement continues to rise these locations are expected to remain central to Karnataka’s toll economy.
Written by Kenbi Riba
