Bengaluru To Chennai In Just 2.5 Hours? Andhra Pradesh Stretch Of Expressway Nearly Ready; When Will It Open?

Bengaluru To Chennai In Just 2.5 Hours? Andhra Pradesh Stretch Of Expressway Nearly Ready; When Will It Open? Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 12:24 IST In Andhra Pradesh, 92% of the 85-km stretch has been completed, while work on Tamil Nadu’s 106-km section is 80% done. Overall, the mega project is said to be 85-92% complete Rapid Read The Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu stretches are targeted for completion by June 2026, after which the entire expressway is expected to become operational. (File Photo) Construction work on the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway passing through Andhra Pradesh is progressing rapidly, according to officials from the Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Once completed, the expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai from 6-7 hours to just 2.5 hours. Officials are now focusing on completing the remaining stretches in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The greenfield expressway project stretches roughly 258-263 km and is being developed at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 17,930 crore. The corridor passes through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Reports suggest the Karnataka section, covering around 71-72 km, was already opened to traffic in December 2024. In Andhra Pradesh, nearly 92% of the 85-km stretch has reportedly been completed, while work on Tamil Nadu’s 106-km section is around 80% complete. Overall, the mega infrastructure project is said to be nearly 85-92% complete. Elephant Underpasses Being Built In Andhra Pradesh Stretch Some of the remaining work in Andhra Pradesh is concentrated around Mogili Ghat, Palamaner and Gaddur regions, where around 6-7 km of construction is still pending. A major focus of the project is wildlife protection infrastructure. Authorities are constructing 12 elephant underpasses between Chittoor and the Karnataka border to ensure safe animal movement across forest corridors. Officials say the underpasses are being developed after consultations with forest officials and wildlife experts. These structures are considered crucial to reducing human-animal conflict and protecting elephant movement routes in the region. The Highway Authority of India (NHAI) recently provided updates on the Gudipala-Walajapet section spanning around 24 km. When Will The Expressway Open? According to statements by NHAI and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu stretches are targeted for completion by June 2026, after which the entire expressway is expected to become operational. However, some reports suggest delays in certain packages due to contractor-related issues, financial constraints and forest clearances. Thus, full commissioning of the project could extend till March 2027. Meanwhile, the Bangarupalem-Gudipala section in Andhra Pradesh has already been opened for traffic. How The Expressway Could Transform Andhra Pradesh Experts believe the expressway could significantly boost development in regions such as Chittoor, Palamaner and Bangarupalem. The corridor is expected to improve connectivity for tourism, logistics, manufacturing and industrial activity across southern India. Faster freight movement and better road infrastructure may also attract investments along the route. The project is also drawing attention for its wildlife-friendly infrastructure, including dedicated underpasses and overpasses for animal movement. Officials say it could become one of India’s most significant wildlife-sensitive highway projects. While parts of the Karnataka section are already operational, work on the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu stretches continues at a fast pace. Travellers and businesses are now hoping the mega expressway project will be completed soon, with experts calling it a potentially major milestone for South India’s economic growth and regional connectivity. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 19, 2026, 11:56 IST News india Bengaluru To Chennai In Just 2.5 Hours? Andhra Pradesh Stretch Of Expressway Nearly Ready; When Will It Open? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...