Karnataka Section Open, Full Expressway Expected by Year-End
The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway has officially opened for traffic within Karnataka, with the 68-km toll-free stretch between Hoskote and Bethamangala witnessing a daily vehicle count of 1,600 to 2,000, according to a report by The Times of India. Motorists currently take a village road to reach Mulbagal and the Andhra Pradesh border, as the final 3 km of the Karnataka stretch is still under construction. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expects this portion to be completed by the end of the year, aligning with the full-fledged launch of the entire Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway.
Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway: A Game-Changer for South India
Spanning 260 km, the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is designed to connect Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, ultimately terminating at Sriperumbudur near Chennai. This ₹17,900 crore greenfield expressway is engineered for high-speed travel, with a maximum speed limit of 120 kmph. It is expected to revolutionize connectivity by reducing the Bengaluru to Chennai travel time from seven hours to just three hours.
Breakdown of Karnataka’s Expressway Segments
The Karnataka section of the expressway was developed in three phases:
- Phase 1: Hoskote to Malur (27.1 km)
- Phase 2: Malur to Bangarpet (27.1 km)
- Phase 3: Bangarpet to Bethamangala (17.5 km)
All three phases are now fully operational, providing motorists with a smoother and faster alternative to the existing highway.
PM Modi to Inaugurate the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway
During his visit to Bengaluru, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would soon inaugurate the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway. He emphasized how the project would boost economic activity between these two major metropolitan cities while also reducing congestion on the existing highway.
Additionally, Gadkari assured that the Central Government would promptly address ongoing road development projects in Karnataka, ensuring seamless infrastructure growth.
Impact of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway
✔️ Reduced Travel Time – A major reduction from 7 hours to just 3 hours.
✔️ Improved Economic Connectivity – Enhanced trade and business prospects between Bengaluru and Chennai.
✔️ Lower Traffic Congestion – Relief for commuters using the existing NH 44 and NH 48.
✔️ Sustainable Development – South India’s first greenfield expressway with modern infrastructure.
✔️ Boost in Real Estate – Increased demand for properties along the expressway route.
As the final stretch nears completion, the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is set to redefine intercity travel in South India. With its high-speed design and world-class infrastructure, this project is a major milestone in India’s highway development.
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