Chennai: Two major expressway projects, the Surat-Chennai Expressway and the Chennai-Bangaluru Expressway, are underway to revolutionize travel in southern India. The Surat-Chennai Expressway, a 1220 km long, 6-lane highway, is expected to be completed by December 2026, connecting Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The project, undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between major cities.
Surat-Chennai Expressway Project Details
– Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 45,000 crore
– Project Length: Approximately 1220 km
– Number of Lanes: 6
– Design Speed: 120 kmph
– Status: Under Construction, Under Bidding, and Land Acquisition
– Deadline: December 2026
– Owner: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
– Project Model: Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)
Project Overview
The Surat-Chennai Expressway project is a combination of two economic expressways, partially access-controlled, with greenfield and brownfield-improved sections. The project will comprise:
– Surat-Nashik-Ahmednagar-Solapur Economic Corridor: 513 km
– Solapur-Kurnool-Chennai Economic Corridor: 707 km
Chennai-Bangaluru Expressway nears completion
Meanwhile, the Chennai-Bangalore Expressway, a 258 km long, 4-lane expressway, is nearing completion, with 60% of the work finished in Karnataka. Despite delays in Andhra Pradesh, the expressway is expected to open in December, with sections in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka opening as early as July. The project aims to reduce travel time between Bangalore and Chennai from 7 hours to just 4 hours, making it a game-changer for commuters.
Faster, safer, and more efficient travel
Both expressway projects are designed to provide faster, safer, and more efficient travel options, boosting economic growth and connectivity in the region. With the Surat-Chennai Expressway connecting major cities and industrial hubs, and the Chennai-Bangalore Expressway reducing travel time between two major IT hubs, these projects are set to transform the transportation landscape in southern India.
