What is the story about?
Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway Project: Commuters waiting for the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway opening may have to wait till 2027 due to some challenges
slowing down its progress. Since the corridor will span three states, it has become a little difficult for authorities to keep up the pace across borders. According to media reports, Tamil Nadu is facing the major hurdle that need immediate actions to bring the progression of the 263 km-long-corridor back on track.
What is The Current Status?
The construction process varies significantly between them:
- Karnataka (100% Complete): The 72km stretch from Hoskote to KGF has been open for nearly a year.
- Andhra Pradesh (92% Complete): Most of this 85km segment is finished.
- Tamil Nadu (80% Complete): This 106km section is the main cause for the delay.
Also Read: Bengaluru to Allow Alcohol on Namma Metro? Here’s What We Know
Why the Delay?
Originally, officials aimed to finish the road by 2024. However, three main issues have slowed things down:
- Red Tape: Delays in getting forest clearances.
- Land Issues: Difficulties in acquiring the necessary land for the route.
- Money Troubles: The biggest hurdle is currently in Tamil Nadu. The contractor building the Arakkonam-Kancheepuram stretch ran out of funds, and work stopped completely in May 2025.
What Happens Next?
Because this is a "greenfield" project (a brand-new route), the entire expressway must be finished before it can fully open. You cannot have a high-speed corridor with a 25km gap in the middle. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is now moving to cancel the current contract for the stalled section. Lenders are currently working to find a new company to take over the job and finish the work.
Why It Matters
For drivers, the finished expressway will be a game-changer. Currently, the journey takes about 6–7 hours via the old route through Hosur. Once the new road opens, travel time will drop to just over two hours.
