Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Chennai-Bengaluru expressway before December this year. This announcement was made during the valedictory session of Karnataka BJP’s State executive in Bengaluru.

Key Highlights

  • Expressway Inauguration: The Chennai-Bengaluru expressway will be inaugurated by PM Modi before December 2023.
  • Travel Time Reduction: The new expressway will significantly reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai to just two hours.
  • Project Details: The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is a four-lane brownfield project spanning approximately 258 km. It traverses seven districts: Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, and Kolar in Karnataka; Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh; and Vellore, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu.

Addressing Traffic Congestion

Gadkari also highlighted plans to expedite the Satellite Township Ring Road (STRR) project, aiming for its completion by December. “I will try to complete the ₹17,000-crore ring road by December,” he stated. The STRR project, initiated under the Bharatmala Pariyojana by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), was inaugurated by PM Modi in June 2022. This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Bengaluru by providing alternative routes.

Commitment to Infrastructure Development

Gadkari emphasized his prompt response to communications from the Karnataka government and elected representatives regarding road projects, underscoring his commitment to timely project execution and infrastructure development in the region.

“I told them that I can immediately give them ₹2 lakh crore. But you get the land acquisition done and ensure that environmental clearances are obtained. Because, I cannot build roads in air. But for a few, I have responded to all the letters,” Gadkari said.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Chennai-Bengaluru expressway and the expedited completion of the STRR project are significant milestones in enhancing infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion in the region. These projects are expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and support economic growth.