Karnataka High Court Orders Free Toll Passes for Kanakapura Road Locals

• Karnataka High Court ruled toll collection at Somanahalli toll plaza on NH 209 illegal, citing violation of National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.
• The plaza is within Greater Bengaluru Authority limits, failing the 10 km distance rule from municipal boundaries.
• Court criticized authorities for not providing service roads or alternative routes, forcing locals to pay for short, essential travel.
• NHAI and concessionaire must issue free local resident passes with zero user fee to eligible villagers within 30 days.
• Failure to issue free passes within the deadline will result in immediate cessation of toll collection at Somanahalli.

Why It Matters: Karnataka High Court mandates free toll passes for Kanakapura Road locals, declaring Somanahalli toll plaza illegal.