A new high-speed expressway connecting Bengaluru and Mangaluru is set to revolutionize travel, significantly reducing the journey by 7 to 8 hours. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced plans to construct a 335 km expressway that will enhance connectivity between these two major cities, bypassing the current roadblocks faced on the existing route.
In July 2024, the ministry began seeking a consulting firm for the project, and by November 2024, nine companies submitted their bids. A winner will be selected by early 2025, and the appointed consultant will have 540 days to prepare a detailed report, which will lay the groundwork for construction. The expected timeline for completing the project is 2028.
The expressway, which will be built by the Karnataka Public Works Department in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is expected to feature four to six lanes. The road will pass through Hassan, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion, especially in key areas along the route. The new expressway will provide a direct link, minimizing delays caused by poor road conditions and outdated infrastructure on the current highway.
This initiative is set to have a profound impact on both travel and business between Bengaluru and Mangaluru. The expressway will ease traffic flow, reduce travel time, and bolster Karnataka’s transport network, ultimately boosting regional economic activity.
The existing highway has faced frequent issues, especially during the monsoon season, with landslides and traffic delays becoming common. The new expressway aims to overcome these challenges, ensuring a safer and more efficient route between the two cities.
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