End Of The Road For Two-Wheeler Tolls? NICE Road Bikers May Soon Ride Free

Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 13:42 IST

To combat the rising number of accidents and curb rampant speeding, the government plans to install AI-powered cameras across the NICE Road.

For thousands of daily commuters in Bengaluru, the NICE Road has long been a source of both convenience and frustration. While the stretch offers a quick bypass around the city’s notorious traffic, the toll collected from two-wheelers has remained a major point of contention.

Unlike State and National Highways across India, where bikers usually ride toll-free, the private corridor has continued to charge riders. Now, after years of public dissatisfaction, a significant policy shift is finally on the horizon.

‘Unfair Charges’ To Be Reviewed?

Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi has officially assured citizens that the government is moving towards cancelling toll collection for two-wheelers on the NICE Road. During a recent legislative session, the Minister acknowledged the disparity between this private stretch and government-run highways.

A dedicated sub-committee is currently reviewing the financial health of the project, including the total investments made by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises Limited (NICEL) and the revenue collected since 2008. A final decision to scrap the bike toll is expected once a consultant’s report is finalized.

The push for change comes amid growing pressure regarding the project’s overall management. Beyond the toll rates, concerns about the delay in compensation for farmers who gave up their land years ago has also been raised. Additionally, the promised townships that were part of the original agreement are yet to materialize.

For the average consumer, these issues highlight a perceived lack of balance between private profit and public service. Lawmakers are now urging the government to ensure that the contract terms are strictly followed and that the burden on the common traveller is reduced.

High-Tech Safety on the Horizon

While the financial burden may decrease, safety measures are set to increase. To combat the rising number of accidents and curb rampant speeding, the government plans to install AI-powered cameras across the NICE Road.

This technology, already in use on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway, will monitor vehicle speeds and traffic violations in real-time. For commuters, this means a double win: the potential for lower daily travel costs and a significantly safer journey.

Many daily commuters currently avoid NICE Road to save on toll charges, even if it means losing valuable time stuck in traffic. If the minister’s promise of free travel for two wheelers is implemented, more riders are expected to use the corridor, potentially easing congestion at traffic bottlenecks in nearby areas.

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