100-km Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway Opens to Traffic; Car Toll Fixed at ₹195

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has opened an additional stretch of the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway, taking the total operational length of the corridor to nearly 100 km. The latest opening marks a significant milestone in one of South India’s most important highway infrastructure projects, aimed at reducing travel time and improving freight movement between Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

The newly opened 25-km section connects Bethamangala in Karnataka with Baireddypalle in Andhra Pradesh. Earlier this year, NHAI had commissioned a 71-km stretch between Hoskote and Bethamangala, allowing motorists to access a major portion of the expressway.

With the latest addition, commuters travelling towards Chittoor, Tirupati and Chennai can now use the expressway before exiting through district roads that connect to existing national highways. According to NHAI officials, the operational section has already witnessed encouraging traffic volumes since opening.

NHAI has also announced the revised toll charges for the operational stretch. Motorists travelling from Hoskote to Baireddypalle will pay ₹195 for a one-way journey in cars, jeeps and vans, while the return trip has been priced at ₹290. Monthly passes for frequent users have also been introduced. Toll rates for commercial vehicles, buses and trucks have been fixed separately based on vehicle category.

Officials clarified that toll charges apply only to vehicles using the main carriageway of the expressway. Vehicles entering or exiting through access ramps without travelling on the main corridor will not be charged.

The Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway spans approximately 262 km and is being developed in multiple construction packages across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In Andhra Pradesh, two of the three construction packages have already been completed, while the remaining section is progressing after resolving forest clearance-related challenges, including the construction of wildlife underpasses.

NHAI expects the remaining works across the corridor to be completed by December 2026. Once fully operational, the greenfield expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency, strengthen industrial connectivity, and support economic growth across southern India. The project is also expected to benefit manufacturing hubs, logistics parks and export-oriented industries by providing faster and more reliable road connectivity.