Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway Hits a Two-Year Roadblock

The completion of the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway has been delayed by nearly two years due to statutory hurdles, technical challenges, and financial constraints, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha.

The most significant delays have occurred in Phase 3, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Construction on the Arakkonam–Kancheepuram stretch has remained stalled since May 2025 due to contractor-related issues. Financial constraints have also slowed progress at the Sriperumbudur interchange, where only 24 per cent of the work has been completed.

Despite these setbacks, the Karnataka portion of the expressway has been completed, and other phases are now targeted for completion by June 2026. In Andhra Pradesh, delays were largely attributed to eco-sensitive zone clearances and utility shifting. The Ministry has revised timelines for most sections, including the remaining 192 km under construction in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.