Driving to KIA airport gets dearer

Bengaluru: Travelling to the Kempegowda International Airport just got costlier. From April 1, the two-way toll for cars, jeeps and vans will go up to Rs 120 from Rs 115. The monthly pass for vehicles in this category will cost Rs 2,615, up from Rs 2,560 now. BMTC and cab operators are expected to pass on the hike to their passengers, adding to the fare bill. Radhakrishna Holla, general secretary of Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners' Association, said that although the increase in marginal, taxi drivers are looking to the government to fulfill its promise of a link road to airport via Thanisandra. "These hikes will continue for years to come. We need a permanent solution to the problem," he said. A bus will have to pay Rs 365 as toll against the existing Rs 355 for every trip to the airport. Ekroop Caur, managing director of BMTC, said they have not received any information about the hike. "However, if there is any hike in the toll, it will be added to the fare," he said. Surendra Kumar, project director, Karnataka, National Highways Authority of India, said the toll revision is an annual exercise. He said the hike was based on the formula prescribed by the National Highways Fees rules. In 2014, many cab drivers staged a massive protest on the road leading to the airport, following a sharp hike in the toll. -TOI