Bengaluru: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is planning to develop an 18-km road link that will connect the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway (within Karnataka) to the Bengaluru-Kolar Highway (NH 75). This move aims to offer seamless access for commuters heading toward Andhra Pradesh border towns, including Chittoor and Tirupati.
Currently, a 68-km stretch of the expressway within Karnataka has been opened to traffic without toll charges, as the sections in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are still under construction. Many travelers are using this stretch from Hoskote to Bethamangala (KGF), but must navigate village roads beyond that point.
To address this, NHAI proposes to upgrade local and district roads, potentially enabling smoother connectivity and future toll collection. “Without a complete link, vehicles detour via rural roads. By connecting from Sundarapalya to Mulbagal, usage will increase, justifying toll imposition,” said an NHAI official. The road sees 1,800–2,000 vehicles daily, and numbers are climbing.
Despite restrictions, two-wheelers are entering the expressway, posing safety risks. “Motorcycles, autorickshaws, and tractors are not permitted. We’ve asked police to ramp up enforcement,” said an official. Signboards are in place, and awareness drives are underway.
KGF SP K M Shantharaju confirmed that checkpoints are operational to educate bikers. He noted that construction vehicle access points are being misused by motorcyclists. Enforcement via camera-based violations is yet to begin.
A deadly crash in March, caused by a bike entering from the wrong direction, claimed four lives, underlining the urgent need for stricter control.
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