NHAI Mulls 18 Km Link Road To Connect Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway With Bengaluru-Kolar Highway: Report

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering the construction of an 18 km road to connect the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, within Karnataka limits, to the Bengaluru-Kolar Highway (NH 75), Times of India reported.

This strategic link aims to improve access for motorists travelling to border areas of Andhra Pradesh, including Chittoor and Tirupati.

Although a 68 km stretch of the expressway from Hoskote to Bethamangala near KGF has been opened for public use, the lack of end-to-end connectivity has meant motorists are forced to use narrow village roads.

“Though the expressway is open for motorists, there is no end-to-end connection… What we are contemplating is upgrading district roads and village roads by linking the expressway with NH 75 from Sundarapalya and to the Mulbagal side,” an NHAI official was quoted as saying by ToI.

“This would cater to a greater number of users, and we will have grounds to collect fees," the official added.

Currently, the expressway sees a daily movement of 1,800 to 2,000 vehicles.

NHAI has requested details from the Kolar district authorities on upgrading the road and corrections required to make existing roads motorable.

Despite strict prohibitions, two-wheelers, autorickshaws and tractors are regularly found using the expressway, raising safety concerns.

“Certain categories of vehicles… are barred from using expressways across the country… Despite these, there are instances of two-wheeler motorists violating the rules” said an NHAI official.

In March, a fatal collision involving a car and a two-wheeler reportedly entering from the wrong side claimed four lives on the expressway.

Local police have stepped up enforcement efforts, with KGF SP K M Shantharaju confirming that checkpoints have been established and communication is ongoing with NHAI regarding stricter surveillance.

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