Bengaluru-Chennai express corridor: Partial opening for traffic, two-wheelers and autos restricted

The Bengaluru-Chennai Express Corridor has partially opened for traffic, allowing vehicles to travel from Hoskote to Kempegowda International Airport via toll booths at Sundarapalya and Krishnapura in KGF Taluk.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has granted temporary toll-free access, although two-wheelers, autos, and tractors remain restricted. Travel time has significantly reduced, with commuters reaching Hoskote from Sundarapalya in just 30-40 minutes, driving at speeds between 100 to 120 km/h.

From Krishnapura Toll Gate, areas like KR Puram and Vidhana Soudha are reachable within 45 minutes, while Devanahalli Airport can be accessed in an hour. Although the express corridor brings KGF just 52 km away from the airport and 20 km from Bengaluru city, construction progress remains slow in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Land acquisition issues continue to delay Phase 2 and 3, extending the timeline for direct travel between Bengaluru and Chennai by at least two more years.

Originally slated for completion by 2023, the corridor faced a two-year delay, but the recent partial opening offers significant relief to commuters.

The temporary toll-free travel is currently permitted through Sundarapalya, Krishnapura, and Vakkaleri toll plazas, ensuring smoother connectivity while work continues on remaining sections. Officials have advised commuters to exercise caution while driving on the newly opened stretch, as some sections are still under construction and lack proper signage, increasing the risk of accidents.