The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway will be more convenient for travel from Bengaluru to Andhra Pradesh and Chennai users, as a part of the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway has been opened to public use. This is the first segment of the first one in which commuters are now able to enjoy almost 100 kilometres of uninterrupted travel without passing through any of the busy cities on the road, with the help of a highway (no congestion or traffic lights).
The access-controlled expressway will reduce travel time, increase road safety, and give commuters, tourists, and commercial vehicle operators a world-class driving experience.
Faster Travel from Bengaluru
The newly opened section allows vehicles leaving Bengaluru without any major delay to travel around 100 kilometres into Andhra Pradesh. The expressway, unlike most highways that pass through urban centres and villages, is well-maintained with entry and exit points where vehicles can get higher average speeds and therefore be able to move safely.
This is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters, logistics companies, and long-distance travellers who frequently travel between Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
When the full expressway is in operation, the travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai will be reduced, and road travel will be faster and more efficient.
About the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway
The Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway is one of the flagship infrastructure projects being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Key highlights include:
Six-lane access-controlled greenfield expressway
Total project length of about 262 kilometres. Connects Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The project is designed for high-speed travel. Limited entry and exit points for safer driving. Modern bridges, flyovers, service roads, and interchanges
The expressway has been made to decongest the Bengaluru-Chennai highway and boost the economic growth of the region by connecting major industrial and logistics hubs.
Toll charges for the newly opened stretch
With the opening of the expressway section, toll collection has also started. Toll charges vary depending on the type of vehicle.
Vehicle Category - Approximate Toll
- Car/Jeep/Van - ₹185
- Light Commercial Vehicle - ₹300
- Bus/Truck - ₹625
- Three-Axle Commercial Vehicle - ₹680
- Heavy Multi-Axle Vehicles - ₹980–₹1,190
Oversized Vehicles, as per NHAI classification
Note: Toll rates may vary based on distance travelled, entry and exit points used, and future revision by NHAI.
Major Benefits for Travellers
The new expressway has some advantages over the old highway:
Reduced travel time between Bengaluru and Andhra Pradesh. Fewer traffic signals and congestion points. Greater road safety from the controlled access. Better fuel savings from smooth traffic flows. Easy long-distance driving. Enhanced connectivity for freight and logistics. Minimum vehicle wear and maintenance cost.
Commercial transport operators will be able to benefit the most from fast transit times and cost reduction in the supply chain.
Boost to the economy and Tourism
Apart from making travel more seamless, the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway is expected to boost economic activity across the three states. Industrial corridors, manufacturing units, warehousing facilities, and logistics parks along the route would benefit from better connectivity.
Tourism will also be given a boost with the tourists taking the easier route to various places in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Increased road connectivity may also boost weekend tourism and business travel between cities.
Safety Features
The expressway has been equipped with several modern safety features, including:
Crash barriers
CCTV surveillance at key locations. Emergency response facilities. Wide medians. Reflective road markings. Intelligent traffic management systems. Dedicated emergency stopping areas
They also encourage drivers to stick to the prescribed speed limits, use FASTag for seamless toll payments, and not to stop on the expressway unnecessarily.
Drone Footage of Bangalore-Chennai Expressway | India's Next Big Highway!
— Srihari Karanth (@sriharikaranth) March 1, 2025
Karnataka side of Bengaluru Chennai Expressway is open to the public - From Hoskote to Bethamangala - 71kms
No toll as of now. pic.twitter.com/tKeq8ZmzYq
A Landmark Infrastructure Project
Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is among India’s most ambitious highway projects to improve inter-state connectivity in southern India. As additional segments get established, commuters will experience even shorter travel times, better safety, and a world-class driving experience.
Andhra Pradesh is the first to experience the new 100 km stretch for people who are driving from Bengaluru to Andhra Pradesh, and the new way of travelling with the new facility is a step forward in a hassle-free, signal-free way that will ensure that the country continues to invest in modern transportation infrastructure.
