Chennai–Bengaluru travel time to be cut to two hours by year-end: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said travel time between Chennai and Bengaluru will be reduced to just two hours once the new expressway is fully commissioned by the end of this year.

The 260-km-long Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway is currently partially operational and is expected to significantly ease traffic movement between the two major southern cities once completed.

Speaking at the 3rd Edition of Build India Infra Awards, Gadkari said the expressway would be ready by year-end. Referring to another key corridor, he added, “The expressway from Delhi to Dehradun is ready, and you can go within two hours. By the end of this year, the Chennai-Bangaluru expressway (will be operational). That is within two hours.”

Highlighting the government’s broader infrastructure push, the minister said, “We will reduce the distance between Delhi and Chennai by 320 km, and the most important thing is that we want to make eco-friendly roads.” He added that India has significant potential in tunnel construction.

Gadkari also said the government is experimenting with hydrogen fuel infrastructure. “The filling station is very important, and there are dark areas where we need more research, development and collaboration with international companies,” he noted, referring to hydrogen fuel filling stations being planned on ten routes.

On accountability in infrastructure projects, the minister warned that there would be strict action against contractors involved in fraud. He also stressed the importance of developing strategic road infrastructure, especially connectivity with neighbouring countries.

Additionally, he said the Centre is working on a policy to assist states in building roads that meet national highway standards, aiming to strengthen connectivity and improve travel efficiency across regions.