Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway to Cut Travel Time by Up to Four Hours, Boost Connectivity Across Andhra Pradesh

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is moving ahead with the development of the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway, a major infrastructure project that is expected to transform connectivity between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The new corridor is being developed as part of National Highway 544G under the Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada Economic Corridor initiative.

The project includes a 343.24-kilometre six-lane greenfield highway that will connect key districts across Andhra Pradesh before linking with Vijayawada. Once completed, the corridor is expected to reduce the travel distance between Bengaluru and Vijayawada by nearly 110 kilometres and cut travel time by three to four hours.

The expressway will originate near Kodur village at the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border and pass through Sri Sathya Sai, YSR Kadapa, SPSR Nellore, Prakasam and Bapatla districts before reaching Muppavaram near Addanki. A key objective of the project is to connect NH-44, one of India’s busiest highway corridors, with NH-16 on the Chennai-Vijayawada route.

The infrastructure project is expected to deliver significant benefits for both passenger and freight movement. Faster logistics, reduced transportation costs and improved regional connectivity are likely to support industrial growth in several districts, particularly Kadapa, which is expected to emerge as a major beneficiary.

According to project details, the Kadapa section alone accounts for more than 123 kilometres of the corridor and includes investments exceeding ₹5,377 crore. The district will also receive seven interchanges and four wayside amenities, creating additional opportunities for economic activity.

Land acquisition for the project is in advanced stages, with around 2,750 hectares already acquired. Important environmental and wildlife clearances have also been secured, enabling construction activities to progress across multiple stretches.

The expressway is expected to strengthen industrial connectivity between Bengaluru and emerging manufacturing hubs in Andhra Pradesh while enhancing access to ports, logistics centres and economic zones. Once operational, the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway is set to become one of South India’s most important transportation corridors, supporting long-term economic growth and regional development.