The highly-anticipated Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway, initially set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2024, has reportedly been delayed. The project has been pushed back as a major part of the Tamil Nadu stretch remains incomplete.
According to reports, while the 72 km Karnataka section of the expressway is ready, the Tamil Nadu section remains incomplete, with only 15% of the construction progress recorded.
The Tamil Nadu stretch is 106 km from Irungattukottai, near Chennai to Gudipala near the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border. Despite full land acquisition, the entire stretch is facing delay and is estimated to be completed by mid-2025.
Key Features; How Will It Impact Commuters?
Reduced Travel Time: The Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway is expected to reduce commuter’s travel time by two hours, providing an access-controlled highway with four lanes at a speed of 120 km/h.
Enhanced Goods Movement: The expressway aims to enhance goods movement primarily for the trucks serving Chennai Port. The Irungattukottai-Walajapet stretch bypasses major towns thereby streamlining the process.
Ongoing Development In Tamil Nadu
Irungattukottai Interchange: A Rs 129 crore trumpet interchange at Irungattukottai is being constructed to connect the expressway with NH-4, according to reports. It will help boost port connectivity once the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR) is completed.
Project Details And Timeline
Estimated Cost: Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 17,930 crore.
Initial Delays: The project has been delayed mainly due to problems with land acquisition, environmental clearances, and coordination between the state authorities, reports added.
National Expressway 7 (NE7): The expressway, also known as NE7, will strengthen regional connectivity, connecting Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural with Sriperumbudur near Chennai.
