The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finished constructing a 72-kilometre stretch of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway in Karnataka. This marks significant progress on the 262-kilometre corridor, which aims to drastically cut travel time between the two cities.
Awaiting Official Launch
Although the section is complete, it remains closed as authorities deliberate on the official opening date. The project faced delays due to a two-year dispute over relocating the Guddamma Temple in Jinnagara. Last week, the temple was successfully moved, allowing the final 500 metres of the road to be completed.
Key Connectivity Features
The new expressway section connects with the 82-kilometre Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), linking Dabaspet to Hoskote. Key entry and exit points include Malur, Bangarpet, and Bethamangala, enabling drivers to traverse the stretch in about 40 minutes.
NHAI also plans to build an 18-kilometre road connecting Bethamangala to Mulbagal, improving accessibility. A major cloverleaf junction at Hoskote facilitates seamless vehicle transitions between Bengaluru, STRR, and National Highway 75.
Addressing Local Concerns
In Kolathur, residents have requested an underpass, with discussions underway to address this in a separate project. Additionally, traffic congestion on Old Madras Road has prompted NHAI to propose a 15-kilometre flyover from KR Puram to the Hoskote cloverleaf, with plans currently under review.
Project Highlights
The 262-kilometre expressway spans Karnataka (72 km), Andhra Pradesh (84 km), and Tamil Nadu (106 km) and is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative. With a budget of ₹16,500 crore, the project features:
- 71 vehicle underpasses and overpasses
- 31 major bridges and 25 minor bridges
- 6 toll plazas and 5 interchanges
- 2 rest areas and truck lay bays
The expressway will reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai from six hours to just three, shortening the distance from 350 km to 270 km. Designed for speeds up to 120 km/h, it is expected to boost regional connectivity and economic growth.
