BENGALURU: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has cautioned motorists using the 'toll-free' stretch of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, which has not been officially opened for use.
Officials warn motorists to be watchful of speed while using the newly connected expressway from Hoskote to Bethamangala. Out of the 260 km expressway, a 71 km Karnataka stretch from Hoskote to Bethamangala was completed recently. The stretch that falls within the limits of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu may be completed by August 2025.
An official of NHAI said, “When the Bengaluru-Mysuru access-controlled highway works were underway, motorists started using several stretches of the road prior to the commissioning of the entire stretch.
Overspeeding and reckless driving resulted in many accidents. We do not want that to happen on the newly built expressway. Motorists have started sneaking onto the newly built road, and many tend to go at higher speeds after seeing the swanky road, which is also empty. We urge motorists not to risk their lives.” The official stated that once the toll notification is issued and the stretch is officially opened for public use, surveillance and emergency response systems will be put in place. The expressway is designed for motorists to use the road at a maximum of 120 kmph.
When asked about the possibility of collecting tolls for using the Karnataka stretch, the official said, “NHAI headquarters decides on the toll notifications.” It is said that toll collection is unlikely until the entire expressway works get completed and put to public use.
The completion of the 71 km stretch will benefit motorists coming from Dabaspet, Doddaballapur, and Devanahalli, as they can use the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) from Dabaspet to Hoskote, which has already been integrated with the expressway at Hoskote. “Once the stretch is officially opened, it will save a lot of time for people living in north Bengaluru. They can avoid congestion on the Outer Ring Road and Old Madras Road by using the STRR at Devanahalli to cross the Karnataka border,” the official said. The expressway has entry and exit points at Malur, Bangarpet, and Bethamangala. The NHAI is also proposing the construction of a road from the Bethamangala exit to NH 75, which will help people travel to Mulbagal.
Underpass at Kolathur:
Considering the demand from Kolathur villagers, the NHAI has plans to construct an underpass that provides access to motorists coming from Kolathur and moving towards Bengaluru. In the coming days, a flyover is proposed, which would help people travelling from the Bengaluru side to Kolathur and the Kolar side. At Hoskote, NHAI has built a clover leaf that provide entry and exit for Bengaluru- Kolar highway and STRR.