Sir,

Since the 10-lane access-controlled Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway opened to the public, it has significantly reduced travel stress and time. However, as the initial excitement has settled, it’s important to examine the drawbacks of this otherwise excellent road.

Following the introduction of speed restrictions, the travel time for the 119-km journey has increased to approximately 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes. Factor in an additional 20 to 30 minutes to reach Nayandahalli in Bengaluru, and another 15 to 20 minutes to access the highway at Mysuru. Consequently, the total travel time from home to Nayandahalli averages around 2 hours, depending on post-highway traffic in Bengaluru.

Users of this highway, including car owners, trucks of various sizes and KSRTC buses, should acknowledge the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for providing this excellent road, despite several flaws such as the presence of at least seven exits and entries.

The first exit is near the Bishop’s House in Yeliyuru, approximately 10 kms from Gejjalagere toll point, with last exit located 7 kms past Bidadi, just 3 kms shy of toll point. In theory, travellers can journey up to Srirangapatna on the highway, switch to service road, re-enter near Bishop’s House, cover about 75 kms and exit 3 kms before the toll point. This route may add only 10 to 15 minutes to the journey time to Nayandahalli.

On the return trip, one can join the highway shortly after the toll point beyond Kengeri, travel almost to the Gejjalagere toll point, exit and rejoin well before Srirangapatna. This method allows travellers to enjoy the benefits legally and without guilt. KSRTC buses and many others regularly employ this strategy.

I decided to try this myself after witnessing others do it on several occasions. It proved effective, allowing me to travel about 80 kms without paying tolls.

On my return via Malavalli from Chikka Kallasandra, I reached home in just about 2.5 hours, thanks to vastly improved road from Bengaluru to Malavalli. Further improvements to the road from Malavalli to Mysuru by State Highway authorities would enhance the journey even more.

It’s unclear whether the numerous entry and exit points (at least seven on each side) on this relatively short highway are intentional measures by NHAI to facilitate commuter convenience or to alleviate financial burden of toll fee, which exceed Rs. 500 for a round trip and around Rs. 350 for a one-way journey.

Ideally, each entry point should have a toll collection booth. Alternatively, reducing the number of entry points to just two, one before Mandya and the other before Ramanagara, could streamline toll collection. Until then, travellers can legally reach Bengaluru for most of their journey without paying tolls.

— Lt. Col. (Dr.) Y.N.I. Anand, Mysuru, 7.7.2024

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