NT Reporter | Panaji
Goans travelling to Karnataka via the Khanapur road will soon have to pay toll charges,
as the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved toll collection on the Khanapur-Goa border stretch of NH-748 in Karnataka. This highway was formerly known as NH-4A.
As per the notification issued by the Union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, the location of toll plaza is near Tinai Ghat (Devalli village) in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. A toll plaza will be set up near Tinai Ghat for a 37-km stretch, with rates fixed at 60% of the base rate for two-lane roads with paved shoulders.
The approved base toll rates per km (for base year 2007-08) are Rs 0.65 for cars, jeeps, and vans; Rs 1.05 for light commercial vehicles; Rs 2.20 for two-axle trucks/buses; Rs 2.40 for three-axle vehicles; Rs 3.45 for multi-axle or heavy construction machinery; and Rs 4.20 for oversized vehicles.
The Ministry said that the residents within 20 km of the toll plaza will be eligible for a monthly pass of Rs 340 for 2025-26. The total project cost is estimated at Rs 565.23 crore.
The Khanapur-Goa border stretch of NH-748 is a key part of the highway connecting Belagavi, Karnataka, to Panaji.
The project is currently experiencing delays, with a 71% completion rate and a revised completion date set for March 2026.
There have been significant issues with road conditions and slow progress on this stretch, leading to a penalty of Rs 3.2 crore against the contractor.
