Karnataka HC Seeks Response from Centre, NHAI on Alleged Unlawful Toll Collection at Nagasandra

BM TEAM

Bengaluru, July 22 – The Karnataka High Court has issued notices to the Union Government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging continued toll collection at the Nagasandra toll plaza in North Bengaluru.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi took up the matter on Tuesday, directing the respondents to file their replies before the next hearing scheduled for September 17. The PIL was filed by Bengaluru-based advocate A.V. Amarnathan.

According to the petitioner, toll fees are still being collected at the Nagasandra point despite the expiry of the contractual period in 2021. The collection, primarily through FASTag-enabled payments, reportedly continues unabated on the stretch that serves as a vital link for nearly 20 districts across Karnataka.

The petition further argues that the flyover segment from Yeshwanthpur to Nagasandra spans only about 5 kilometers and falls well within Bengaluru city limits—making any tolling on that stretch legally questionable and administratively unjustified.

In addition to seeking a halt to the toll collection, the PIL calls for transparency regarding revenue generated since the contract lapsed. The petitioner has requested the court to direct authorities to disclose complete toll collection data from 2021 to the present.