Bengaluru-Mangaluru Expressway To Provide Year-Round Connectivity Between Karnataka’s Southern And Coastal Regions, Check Details

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) initiated steps to develop a high-speed expressway linking Bengaluru and Mangaluru, aiming to provide year-round connectivity between Karnataka’s southern and coastal regions. In July, MoRTH sought bids to select a consultant to draft a detailed project report (DPR) and by the November 4 deadline, nine firms submitted technical bids. 

The ministry plans to award the contract next year, with the chosen firm given 540 days to complete the DPR. The construction work for the highway, spanning approximately 335 km, could commence by 2028.

Reports stated that the proposed expressway may feature four to six lanes, passing through Hassan and circumventing challenging terrain in the Western Ghats via bypasses. Once completed, the expressway is expected to cut travel time between Bengaluru and Mangaluru from the current 7-8 hours, reported Deccan Herald.

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The Public Works Department (PWD) of Karnataka will work with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on alignment and land acquisition. An official stated that financing models and tolls would be assessed, with potential township developments to boost viability, the report stated.

Currently, NH-75, the main Bengaluru-Mangaluru route, faces frequent landslide closures, especially during rains. Though parts of the highway are six-lane, segments narrow significantly. NHAI is upgrading the Hassan-Sakleshpur-Maranahalli stretch, with four-laning set for completion by June 2025. Additionally, the Shiradi Ghat bottleneck may be eased through a hybrid solution of flyovers and tunnels, with its DPR underway and tenders expected next year.

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The Bengaluru-Mangaluru expressway will boost the transportation network between the two major cities in Karnataka, helping businesses and stakeholders to expand their reach.    Mangaluru’s isolation hampers the development of the port, tourism and other sectors in the city, however, after the construction of this highway things are expected to change for the better.