A significant portion of the much-anticipated Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway has been unofficially opened for traffic in Karnataka, marking a major milestone in the project. The 68-kilometer stretch between Hoskote and KGF (Bethamangala) is now operational, with approximately 1,600 to 2,000 vehicles using it daily, as per a report on Times of India. This toll-free section allows commuters to exit via village roads to reach Mulbagal and Andhra Pradesh border.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which is overseeing the project, has completed 68 km of the 71-km Karnataka segment. The remaining 3 km is expected to be opened by the end of the year, coinciding with the completion of the expressway’s sections in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Once fully operational, the 260-km Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway will traverse Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, culminating at Sriperumbudur near Chennai, reported Hindustan Times. Designed as a high-speed, four-lane corridor, the expressway will allow vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 120 kmph. This Rs 17,900-crore project, touted as South India’s first greenfield expressway, is set to revolutionize travel between the two major cities by reducing the journey time from seven hours to just three.
The expressway is also connected to the operational Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), which runs from Dabaspet to Hoskote via Doddaballapur and Devanahalli. This integration enables seamless access for commuters from Tumakuru Road and Bengaluru-Hyderabad Road. Additionally, NHAI has invited tenders to extend the STRR from Dabaspet to the Tamil Nadu border, further enhancing connectivity on Bengaluru’s western and southern outskirts.
The Karnataka segment of the expressway was developed in three phases: Hoskote to Malur (27.1 km), Malur to Bangarpet (27.1 km) and Bangarpet to Bethamangala (17.5 km), as per reports.
All three phases are now fully operational, providing a smooth and efficient travel experience for users.
The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and promote economic growth by facilitating faster movement of goods and people. As the remaining sections near completion, the expressway is poised to become a game-changer for South India’s transportation infrastructure.