Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway: New 25 km Stretch Opens, 100 km Now Accessible; Toll Charges Announced

The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway has opened a new 25 km stretch between Bethamangala and Baireddipalle, enabling nearly 100 km of non-stop travel from Hoskote. NHAI has also announced toll charges for the stretch, improving connectivity to Chennai, Tirupati and Chittoor.

The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, one of India's most significant infrastructure projects, has achieved another major milestone with the opening of a new 25 km stretch between Bethamangala and Baireddypalle in Andhra Pradesh. The newly opened section by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) allows motorists to travel non-stop for nearly 100 km, from Hoskote in Bengaluru to Baireddipalle, significantly improving connectivity between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Travel to Chennai, Tirupati and Chittoor Becomes Easier

The 71 km stretch between Hoskote and Bethamangala in Karnataka had already been opened to traffic. With the addition of the 25 km Bethamangala to Baireddypalle section, commuters can now enjoy a smoother and faster journey.

Travellers heading to Chittoor, Tirupati and Chennai can use the expressway up to Baireddypalle before connecting to the national highway through district roads. The improved connectivity is expected to reduce both travel time and fuel consumption.

According to officials, the Baireddypalle toll plaza is already collecting an average of around ₹2.2 lakh in toll revenue every day.

Entire Expressway Expected by December 2026

NHAI officials have stated that the entire 262 km-long Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is expected to be opened to the public by December 2026.

The 85 km stretch of the expressway in Andhra Pradesh is being developed in three packages:

• Bethamangala to Baireddypalle (25 km): Completed and opened to traffic. 
• Bangarupalem to Gudipala (29 km): Construction completed. 
• Baireddypalle to Bangarupalem (31 km): Around 11 km of this section remains pending due to delays in obtaining forest department approvals.

An eco-duct, a dedicated wildlife underpass, is also being constructed along the pending stretch to facilitate the safe movement of wild animals.

Toll Rates for the Hoskote to Baireddypalle Stretch

NHAI has announced the toll charges for vehicles using the Hoskote to Baireddypalle section of the expressway. Officials clarified that toll will be collected only from vehicles travelling on the main carriageway. Vehicles using only the entry and exit ramps will not be charged.

One-way toll charges: 

• Car, Jeep and Van: ₹195 
• Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) and Minibus: ₹315 
• Truck and Bus: ₹655

Return trip toll charges:

• Car, Jeep and Van: ₹290 
• Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) and Minibus: ₹470 
• Truck and Bus: ₹985

Frequent users can also avail themselves of a monthly pass priced at ₹6,465, which is valid for 50 one-way trips.

Major Boost for Karnataka's Economy

The expressway is expected to provide significant economic and industrial benefits for Karnataka.

Travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai is expected to be reduced by two to three hours, making freight movement faster and more efficient.

Improved connectivity to Chennai Port is likely to boost export and import activities for industries in and around Bengaluru. Reduced transportation time and lower fuel costs are also expected to benefit businesses and consumers.

The expressway has also strengthened the appeal of the Hoskote-Bengaluru corridor as an investment destination. Several industries, logistics parks, warehouses and manufacturing units are already being planned in the region, creating new opportunities for growth in the IT, manufacturing and e-commerce sectors.