The Chennai–Bengaluru Expressway (Phase III, 106 km) is nearing completion

The Chennai–Bengaluru Expressway (Phase III, 106 km) is nearing completion, with three of the four construction packages already 90% finished. The government has announced that 80 km of the stretch will be ready by July 2026, while the final package—delayed due to financial issues—has a revised deadline of October 2026. Full commissioning of the expressway is expected by late 2026.

Project Overview
- Total Length: 262 km (Chennai–Bengaluru Expressway)
- Phase III Stretch: 106 km (94 km in Tamil Nadu, 12 km in Andhra Pradesh)
- Model: Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) across four packages
- Status (Jan 2026):
- Three packages: ~90% complete, expected by July 2026
- One package: Stalled due to concessionaire’s financial constraints, revised deadline October 2026

Key Features
- Access-Controlled Expressway: Designed for high-speed travel, reducing Chennai–Bengaluru journey time to 2.5–3 hours.
- Connectivity: Links Sriperumbudur (near Chennai) to Bangalore via Kolar and Chittoor.
- Design Speed: 120 km/h, with modern safety and tolling systems.
- Economic Impact: Expected to boost industrial corridors in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Benefits
- Travel Time Reduction: From current 5–6 hours to ~3 hours.
- Logistics Efficiency: Faster freight movement between Chennai Port and Bengaluru’s industrial hubs.
- Regional Growth: Supports automobile, IT, and manufacturing clusters along the corridor.
- Safety: Modern design standards reduce accident risks compared to NH-48.

Challenges
- Land Acquisition: Some delays in Tamil Nadu sections.
- Financial Issues: One package stalled due to concessionaire’s funding problems.
- Revised Deadlines: July 2026 for most sections, October 2026 for final completion.

✅ Takeaway: The Chennai–Bengaluru Expressway is on track for partial opening by July 2026 and full commissioning by October 2026, promising faster travel, improved logistics, and significant regional economic benefits.