Bangalore/Chennai: The highly anticipated Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway (BCE), aimed at improving connectivity between the two state capitals, is now expected to be completed by June 2026. The deadline has been pushed back from its earlier target of August 2025 due to ongoing construction work. The 262-km greenfield expressway, being executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is expected to reduce travel time and fuel consumption, significantly easing congestion along the current route.
Current Progress and Delays
According to NHAI, only 71 km of the expressway has been completed so far, with the remaining sections still under construction. The Karnataka stretch was completed and informally opened for local travel in December 2024, but the segments passing through Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are still in progress.
Responding to a query from Rajya Sabha MP Lahar Singh Siroya, Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari confirmed that the pending portions of the expressway will be completed by June 2026.
Key Features of the Expressway
The Rs 17,000-crore expressway is a four-lane, access-controlled highway that starts from Hoskote in Karnataka and ends at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. It serves as an alternative to the existing 340-km route via Hosur, Krishnagiri, and Ranipet, reducing congestion and ensuring faster travel between Bengaluru and Chennai.
The expressway is divided into three construction packages in Karnataka:
📍 Package 1: Hoskote to Malur (27.1 km)
📍 Package 2: Malur to Bangarpet (27.1 km)
📍 Package 3: Bangarpet to Bethamangala (17.5 km)
Impact on Travel and Economy
Once fully operational, the expressway is expected to:
✅ Reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai by several hours
✅ Boost economic activity along the route
✅ Improve connectivity for trade, logistics, and daily commuters
Authorities expect the expressway to bring economic benefits and enhance travel efficiency between the two metropolitan cities. Travelers and businesses eagerly await the project’s completion.
