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The expressway is being developed in ten distinct packages across three states. As of February 2026, approximately 235 km (89%) of the total 263.2 km has been completed.
The Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway is a greenfield project, meaning it is built on an entirely new alignment through previously undeveloped land. Image: Canva
If Bengalureans want to go to beach, the closest travel by road or train will take at least 7 hours for Mangaluru, Karwar or over 12 hours to Goa. But, what if a new expressway will bring the travel time to the closest beach from Bengaluru to just 3 hours? This is all set to happen soon.
The ambitious Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway (NE-7), designed to revolutionize transit between South India’s two largest economic hubs, is entering its final and most challenging phase of construction. While significant portions of the corridor are already visible on the landscape, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has confirmed that the full 263-km stretch is now slated for a comprehensive public launch in early 2027.
The project, a cornerstone of the PM Gati Shakti initiative, aims to reduce the current travel time between the two cities from nearly seven hours to a mere 2.5 to 3 hours. However, despite rapid progress in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, technical and administrative hurdles in Tamil Nadu have necessitated a recalibration of the final completion timeline.
Current Progress: A Tale of Three States
The expressway is being developed in ten distinct packages across three states. As of February 2026, approximately 235 km (89%) of the total 263.2 km has been completed.
- Karnataka (100% Complete): The 71.7-km segment within Karnataka, stretching from Hoskote to Bethamangala, is entirely finished. Travelers are already utilizing this stretch, which has significantly eased local congestion toward Kolar and the KGF region.
- Andhra Pradesh (92% Complete): Spanning 85 km through the Palamaner and Chittoor regions, the progress here is nearly at the finish line. Only a minor 6.5-km gap remains near the border, where geological challenges slowed work.
- Tamil Nadu (80% Complete): This remains the critical “missing link.” Out of the 106 km in Tamil Nadu, roughly 85 km is paved. The bottleneck lies in the final 28.6-km stretch, particularly the section between Arakkonam and Kancheepuram.
The Roadblocks: Why 2027?
The shift from a 2024/25 deadline to early 2027 is attributed to a combination of contractor issues and environmental factors. A primary reason for the delay is the financial distress faced by a specific concessionaire handling the Kancheepuram segment. NHAI has had to initiate the process of substituting the developer to ensure work resumes at full scale.
Additionally, the project encountered delays due to hard-rock excavation in the hilly terrains of the Eastern Ghats and the acquisition of forest clearances. Unseasonal heavy rains in the Kancheepuram and Sriperumbudur belts over the last two seasons further impacted the earthwork and paving schedules.
Engineering and Economic Impact
The Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway is a greenfield project, meaning it is built on an entirely new alignment through previously undeveloped land.
- Speed and Scale: Designed for a top speed of 120 kmph, the 4-lane access-controlled road features a 90-meter Right of Way (ROW), allowing for future expansion to 8 lanes without additional land acquisition.
- Industrial Backbone: The corridor will serve as the spine for the Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC), directly benefiting automobile hubs in Hoskote and Sriperumbudur, and the electronics manufacturing clusters in between.
- Infrastructure Highlights: The route includes 17 major flyovers and 41 underpasses. A notable feature for travelers is the 30-acre “Way-Side Amenity” (WSA) being built at Iythandahalli, which will house a trauma center, a helipad, and extensive food courts.
Toll Updates
In a move to streamline operations, NHAI recently revised the toll rates for the operational Karnataka segment. Effective mid-February 2026, the toll was lowered by approximately 15% to align with standard national highway fee rules, providing temporary relief to commuters until the full integrated tolling system for the entire 263-km stretch is implemented in 2027.
While the delay may be a disappointment for frequent travellers, the sheer scale of the 17,692-crore project ensures that once opened, it will represent a historic shift in South Indian logistics and passenger travel.
February 24, 2026, 14:52 IST
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