A 71-kilometer section of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway in Karnataka has been opened to the public, offering toll-free travel and significantly reducing travel time for commuters. Part of the larger 260-kilometer expressway connecting Bengaluru in Karnataka to Chennai in Tamil Nadu, this stretch has become a popular choice for recreational long drives. Once fully operational by August 2025, the expressway will cut travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai from six hours to just three, with a designed speed limit of 120 km/h. The project spans Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, promising faster and more efficient interstate connectivity. In Karnataka, the expressway includes key sections: • Hoskote to Malur (27.1 km) • Malur to Bangarpet (27.1 km) • Bangarpet to Bethamangala (17.5 km) These sections provide convenient exit points and are expected to alleviate congestion on existing highways, enhancing comfort for both daily commuters and long-distance travellers. Additionally, the expressway is poised to spur regional economic growth by improving connectivity and facilitating smoother trade between states. An official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) highlighted the toll-free status, stating, “Exit points at Malur, Bangarpet, and Bethamangala make the route accessible, and many people are enjoying long drives on this new stretch.” Developed as South India’s first greenfield expressway at a cost of Rs 179 billion, the four-lane corridor is set to transform travel across the region. Construction in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu is ongoing, with full completion projected by mid-2025, marking a significant infrastructure milestone in Southern India. (ET)