Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway: The much-awaited Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, spanning approximately 263 kilometres, is expected to significantly reduce the travel time between the two cities. Speaking at the 3rd Edition of the Build India Infra Awards, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that once the expressway is operational, travel between Bengaluru and Chennai could take just two hours.
However, commuters may have to wait a little longer as recent reports indicate that the 263-km-long Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is likely to be fully operational by early 2027.
ALSO READ: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Underground Cabling Project To Transform Chandni Chowk
Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway
The 263-km Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is a greenfield expressway, running across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Once the expressway is operational, it will reduce the travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai to just two hours. Currently, the journey between Bengaluru and Chennai via the Hosur route takes about six to seven hours.
The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway will feature several major interchanges, including Hoskote interchange (Bengaluru side entry point), Bethamangala/KGF side (Karnataka end of the first major built section), Arakkonam - Kancheepuram belt (Tamil Nadu package facing delays) and Sriperumbudur (near Chennai end point)
Recommended For You
According to a report by News24, the expressway was initially slated to become operational in 2024. However, it has faced delays due to forest clearance issues, funding challenges, and land acquisition hurdles. The Greenfield Expressway is now expected to be fully operational by early 2027.
Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway Update
- Karnataka (100 per cent Complete): The 72 km stretch from Hoskote to Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) has been ready for nearly a year.
- Andhra Pradesh (92 per cent Complete): Work is progressing rapidly, with most of the 85 km section in the state already completed.
- Tamil Nadu (80 per cent Complete): The 106 km section in Tamil Nadu is facing significant delays. Once the issues are resolved, construction will progress rapidly, and the entire section will be made fully operational for the public.