The Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway, a major infrastructure project aimed at boosting trade and connectivity in South India, is making significant strides towards completion. While the 72-kilometer Karnataka section is already operational, the 106-kilometer Tamil Nadu section is facing some delays but is expected to be finished by mid-2025.
The completion of the Karnataka section was delayed due to the relocation of the Guddamma temple at Jinnagara. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the crucial 500-meter stretch, though it is not yet open to traffic. This delay highlights the challenges often encountered when constructing large-scale infrastructure projects, where factors like heritage preservation and land acquisition can impact timelines.
The Tamil Nadu segment of the expressway is designed as a four-lane, access-controlled road with speeds up to 120 km/h. Land acquisition is complete, and the NHAI estimates that only 15% of construction remains. The Irungattukottai-Walajapet stretch, which bypasses major towns, will significantly benefit the movement of goods, particularly for trucks servicing Chennai Port.
While Karnataka has integrated its portion of the expressway with the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), Tamil Nadu is yet to develop similar connections. Initial plans proposed connecting the expressway with the 130-km Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR) at Sriperumbudur, which would have facilitated connectivity from Chennai Port to Mahabalipuram. This proposed connection remains under consideration, with the NHAI currently constructing a major trumpet interchange at Irungattukottai to link the expressway with NH-4. This interchange will play a crucial role in facilitating truck movement to Chennai Port upon completion of the CPRR.
Andhra Pradesh’s section of the expressway is also progressing well. If all goes as planned, the full 268-kilometer, 17,930-crore expressway could be fully operational by the second half of 2024. The completion of this project will transform transportation in the region, reducing travel time and enhancing the flow of goods and services between major cities in South India. The expressway is anticipated to be a significant catalyst for economic growth, attracting investments and creating new employment opportunities in the region.
