The Bengaluru to Chennai expressway is set to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities from approximately six hours to just over two hours.
This 262 km expressway, with an estimated cost of ₹15,188 crore, will not only shorten the distance by 80 km but also alleviate congestion on existing national highways.
Key Features of the Expressway
Currently, the journey between Bengaluru and Chennai takes around five to six hours. However, once the new expressway opens, it is expected to allow vehicles to travel at a speed limit of 120 km/h, making the trip not only quicker but also more comfortable for commuters. The expressway is anticipated to be a game-changer for both personal travel and commercial logistics, enhancing trade between the two major southern cities.
The project commenced in 2022, with an initial completion target set for 2023. However, it has faced several delays due to various challenges, including land acquisition issues and environmental clearances. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari recently announced a revised completion date of July 2026, indicating that only about 100 km of the total route has been completed so far.
Current Progress And Challenges
As of now, various segments of the expressway are at different stages of construction across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. In Karnataka, the 71.7 km Bengaluru-Bethamangala stretch is completed, while a 25 km stretch from Sundarpalya to Byreddypalli is expected to be finished by December 2025. In Andhra Pradesh, the 29 km Bangarupalem-Gudipala stretch is ready, but the final 31 km stretch will not be completed until June 2026. In Tamil Nadu, several sections are under construction, with completion dates ranging from October 2025 to March 2026.
Gadkari has explained that the delays have been primarily due to difficulties in land acquisition in Karnataka, environmental challenges, and geological issues in Tamil Nadu. Despite these setbacks, the expressway is projected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce logistics costs, benefiting both individuals and businesses in the region.
When completed, the Bengaluru to Chennai expressway will ease traffic congestion on NH-44 and NH-48, enhancing the overall efficiency of travel between these two key metropolitan areas. It is expected to not only facilitate quicker journeys for regular commuters but also bolster economic activities by making transportation of goods more efficient.
In addition to this project, the Centre is preparing detailed project reports for further significant corridors, including Bengaluru-Hyderabad and Bengaluru-Pune, which will continue to improve intercity connectivity in South India.