Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway: Inauguration Delayed – Here’s Why
The Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway, a key highway connecting Karnataka to neighboring states, is facing delays in its inauguration. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari initially announced that the expressway would be inaugurated by the end of 2024. However, recent updates reveal that the inauguration will be further delayed.
Reason for Delay
The delay is primarily due to incomplete work in the Tamil Nadu section. While the 72 km stretch in Karnataka is already completed, work on the 106 km stretch in Tamil Nadu remains unfinished. The expressway spans from Irungattukottai near Chennai to Gudipala, close to the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border.
Current projections suggest the project may be completed by mid-2025, possibly in June or July.
Project Overview
The expressway is an ambitious project aimed at significantly reducing travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai. Once completed, the highway, designed for speeds of up to 120 km/h, is expected to cut travel time from 6–7 hours to just 2 hours. This will not only make the journey smoother for motorists but also contribute to fuel savings and economic efficiency.
Also Read, Towing Resumes in Bengaluru: Over 100 Vehicles Towed in Just Two Days
Key Benefits
- Improved Goods Transport:
The expressway will streamline the transportation of goods along the Irungattukottai-Valajapet stretch in Tamil Nadu. Trucks carrying goods to Chennai Port will benefit from reduced transit times. - Enhanced Connectivity:
A trumpet interchange is under construction at Irungattukottai to connect the expressway with National Highway 4 at a cost of ₹129 crore. Additionally, once the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road is completed, the port connectivity will be further improved. - Boost to Regional Connectivity:
Known as NE7, the expressway will link the outskirts of Bengaluru to Hoskote and Perambadur Road near Chennai, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and boosting the transport sector.
Cost and Challenges
The 268-km Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway, covering sections of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹17,930 crore. Challenges such as land acquisition, environmental concerns, and other logistical issues have contributed to the slow progress of the project.
Toll and Safety Concerns
While the recently completed Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway has brought significant benefits, there are ongoing concerns regarding toll rates and enforcement. Motorists have reported incidents of overcharging and unprofessional behavior by toll staff.
Additionally, issues of theft, lack of security, and rising accidents on highways have raised safety concerns. To address this, the police department has installed advanced AI cameras to monitor traffic and reduce accidents. These measures are expected to improve safety on the upcoming Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway as well.
Latest Trending
- The aim of construction of townships in these 3 places around Bangalore
- Speed Limit Enforcement: 76 Drivers Booked Case on Bengaluru-Mysore Expressway
- Vande Bharat Express Train Service Begins: Bengaluru to Ernakulam Schedule and Details
Follow us on Instagram Bangalore Today
