Bengaluru-Chennai expressway to cut travel time to 2.5 hours. Latest update here

The 262 Km long Bengaluru - Chennai Expressway will be built at a cost of over ₹ 16,730 crore . It will pass-through states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and help reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai by 2-3 hours.

"The project will be cost-efficient for vehicle operators and lessen fuel consumption. It will strengthen the economic activities in Bengaluru and Chennai and also connect industrial hubs in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to the Chennai Port," Union minister Nitin Gadkari said.

Regarding the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, Gadkari said the 285.3-km four-lane project would help save travel time. This would also help avoid delay in passing through major towns and congested areas, he added. "This Bharatmala project in Karnataka covering 71.7 km will cost ₹5,069 crore," Gadkari said. "By making this road we will reduce the logistic costs. Already, 231 km of construction is underway. By March 2024, we want to complete this project," he added.

Here is all you need to know about Bengaluru-Chennai expressway:

The current average commute time between Chennai and Bengaluru by road is five to six hours

The four-lane Bengaluru-Chennai expressway is one of the 26 new green expressways

The foundation for the Bengaluru-Chennai expressway was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2022.

Built at cost of the 262 Km 8-Lane e-way is designed for 120 kmph speed

The new expressway will shorten the distance between Bengaluru and Chennai from 300km to 262km.

It will pass-through states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Starting from Hoskote on the outskirts of Bengaluru, it will pass through Malur, Bangarpet, Kolar Gold Fields(KGF), Palamaner, Chittoor, Ranipet towns on the way. The expressway will end at Sriperumbudur in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu.

The NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) has divided this project into three phases of construction.

The expressway is a four-lane double-decker elevated road.

"By February 2023, the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway Project will be completed. I saw some work pending on the stretch. We will invite either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or President Droupadi Murmu for the inauguration," Nitin Gadkari said.

*With inputs from agencies