From Travel To Daily Essentials: Karnataka To See Price Hikes In Toll, Milk, Electricity Charges From April 1

As the new financial year is approaching, the Karnataka government has announced revised charges for several essential services and commodities. Starting April 1, 2025, consumers in the state will see price hikes in toll fees, milk, curd, and electricity bills, impacting household budgets.

Toll Charges Increase Across Karnataka

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced an increase in toll charges across Karnataka. Commuters traveling to Kempegowda International Airport from Bengaluru via Ballari Road will now pay Rs 120 for a single journey, up from Rs 115, while the return journey fee has risen from Rs 170 to Rs 180. This increase, which ranges between 3 per cent and 5 per cent, is part of an annual inflation-linked revision. The hike varies based on the toll plaza and concessionaire period, as confirmed by NHAI Project Director KB Jayakumar.Official notifications will be issued soon.

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs), mini-buses, and large goods vehicles (LGVs) will now pay Rs 185 for a single journey (up from Rs 175) and Rs 275 for a return journey (up from Rs 265). Similarly, truck and bus operators will see an increase of Rs 15 for both single and return journeys, with the new fees set at Rs 370 and Rs 550, respectively. Frequent travellers will also be affected, as the monthly pass for cars covering 50 single journeys has been revised to Rs 3,970, while a local monthly pass will now cost Rs 350, as per Deccan Herald.

Milk Prices To Rise In Karnataka

Milk prices in Karnataka will also rise from April 1, affecting households that consume dairy products regularly. According to State Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, the price of Nandini milk will increase by Rs 4 per litre, while Nandini curd will also become costlier by Rs 4 per kilogram. This means that the toned (blue) milk packet will now cost Rs 46 (up from Rs 42), homogenized toned milk will cost Rs 47 (up from Rs 43), and the full-cream green packet will be priced at Rs 50 (up from Rs 46).

Additionally, the Shubham (special/orange packet) milk will be available for Rs 52 (previously Rs 48), while the price of curd will rise to Rs 54 per kg (from Rs 50). This increase in dairy prices will add to the financial burden on consumers, particularly families who rely on milk for daily consumption.

Electricity Tariff Adjustments In Karnataka

In the energy sector, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has introduced a mix of reductions and increases in electricity charges. While the energy charges per unit have been reduced by 10 paise, the fixed charges have been increased.

The new fixed charges will rise by Rs 25 per kW in 2025-26, Rs 30 per kW in 2026-27, and Rs 40 per kW in 2027-28. As a result, the monthly fixed charge for residential consumers will increase from Rs 120 per kW to Rs 145 per kW. However, there is some relief for commercial consumers in the HT-2A category, as their per-unit charge has been reduced by 30 paise, bringing it down from Rs 6.90 per kWh to Rs 6.60 per kWh.

Large electricity consumers, such as water supply and sewage treatment plants, will see no changes in their energy or fixed charges. Despite the slight reduction in per-unit electricity rates, the increase in fixed charges means that many households and businesses may still experience a rise in overall electricity bills.