The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced plans to construct a high-speed expressway connecting Bengaluru and Mangaluru. The project aims to reduce travel time by 7–8 hours and enhance Karnataka’s transportation network.
Project Details
- Length and Design
- Total Length: 335 kilometers
- Lane Configuration: Four to six lanes
- Route: The expressway will pass through Hassan
- Agencies Involved
- Collaborating Agencies: Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Responsibilities: Joint work on route alignment and land acquisition
- Timeline
- 2024: Consultant selection process begins
- 2025: Selection of consulting firm, with 540 days for report preparation
- 2028: Construction is expected to begin
Benefits
- Travel Time Reduction: Expected to save 7–8 hours on the current journey.
- Economic Boost: Improved road connectivity will facilitate trade and business between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.
- Traffic Decongestion: Smooth traffic flow with reduced bottlenecks.
Current Challenges
- Existing Road Conditions:
- Frequent landslides during monsoons.
- Delays due to poor infrastructure and congested routes.
- Some sections already have six lanes, but overall conditions remain inadequate for efficient travel.
This expressway is set to transform travel and commerce in Karnataka, addressing longstanding infrastructure challenges and unlocking new economic opportunities.