Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway Faces Delay; Completion Now Expected By March 2026

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has confirmed that the long-awaited Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway will not be ready this year as earlier anticipated.

Gadkari in a written response to a question from Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan, informed that the 262 km corridor is now expected to be completed between December 2025 and March 2026.

The Rs 15,188 crore greenfield project, designed to cut travel time between the two southern metros from six hours to three, has been hit by multiple hurdles.

Land acquisition issues in Karnataka, environmental clearances, and difficulties in rock blasting near residential clusters in Tamil Nadu have slowed progress, .

While Packages I to III have been finished, the remaining sections are still in progress.

The Bethamangala–Byreddypalli stretch (25 km) is 90 per cent complete, Byreddypalli–Bangarupalem (31 km) has reached 70 per cent, and Gudipala–Walajahpet (24 km) is 88 per cent done.

Once operational, the expressway is expected to ease pressure on NH-44 and NH-48, lower logistics costs, and stimulate trade and industry across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The road is being designed for high-speed travel, with limits up to 120 kmph.

Despite not being fully launched, parts of the road have already seen violations, particularly illegal entry by two-wheelers, which are barred on the expressway.

Riders have reportedly accessed the highway through gaps in incomplete boundary walls, leading to safety risks.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sought clearance to deploy home guards at toll plazas and vulnerable points until the fencing is secured.

Gadkari also told that detailed project reports are being prepared for two other major corridors: Bengaluru–Hyderabad (512 km) and Bengaluru–Pune (700 km) aimed at enhancing intercity connectivity and cutting travel costs.

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