By Kavita Mistry 
The much-awaited Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway is facing delays and is now likely to be completed between December 2025 and March 2026 informed by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday during the parliamentary session.
Delays In Commencement Of Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway
Moving ahead, Gadkari said the ₹15,188-crore, 262-km greenfield expressway has been held up due to land acquisition issues in Karnataka, environmental clearances, and challenges of rock blasting near habitations in Tamil Nadu while replying to a question raised by Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan in the Lok Sabha.
Further, outlining the progress of the project, the minister noted that while Packages I to III have been completed, work on the remaining stretches is nearing completion.
The progress of the key sections currently stand as given below.
Bethamangala–Byreddypalli (25 km) – 90% complete
Byreddypalli–Bangarupalem (31 km) – 70% complete
Gudipala–Walajahpet (24 km) – 88% complete
Prohibiting Illegal Entry Of Two-wheelers
After completion, this expressway will halve the travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai from six hours to three hours.
This would significantly decongest NH-44 and NH-48 further lowering the logistics costs, and boost trade and industry between the two southern metros.
Besides this, Gadkari also talked about the House that detailed project reports (DPRs) are underway for two more key corridors—Bengaluru–Hyderabad (512 km) and Bengaluru–Pune (700 km).
This is all a part of the Centre’s efforts to strengthen intercity connectivity and reduce logistics bottlenecks.
This expressway is especially designed for high-speed travel with limits reaching up to 120 kmph.
It has become a preferred route for commuters heading to KGF and eastern Karnataka.
Although, its official launch is now delayed, and the absence of enforcement is leading to several violations, most notably, the illegal entry of two-wheelers, which are strictly prohibited.
It appears that the two-wheeler riders have been accessing the road by slipping through incomplete sections of the boundary wall, hence leading to several safety incidents.
But now, the NHAI has requested clearance to deploy home guards at toll plazas and key vulnerable spots until the fencing is fully secured.