A high-speed link to bridge southern and eastern India
In short: The Bengaluru–Vijayawada Expressway aims to transform regional connectivity. By bypassing congested routes, this six-lane project intends to slash travel times from 13 hours down to just 8 or 9 hours, creating a more efficient artery for trade, tourism, and industrial growth across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The Bengaluru–Vijayawada Expressway, designated as NH-544G, is a major infrastructure project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-II. It is designed to connect the capital of Karnataka, Bengaluru, to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, bypassing the current congested routes through Chennai or Hyderabad. The project is divided into greenfield and brownfield sections; the 343 km greenfield portion runs from Kodikonda to Addanki, while the remaining segments utilize existing highways. This route will traverse eleven districts, including three in Karnataka and eight in Andhra Pradesh. It will link National Highway 44 at Kodikonda to National Highway 16 at Addanki.
The project's scope and cost have evolved since its inception. Originally proposed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in 2021, the plan was approved by the Government of India that same year. Although initial projections estimated a ₹10,000 crore (US$1.0 billion) price tag for a 570 km route, the updated scheme spans 624 km (388 mi) and will cost roughly ₹14,000 crore (US$1.5 billion). The total length of the expressway is approximately 624 km (388 mi), with 64% of the route classified as greenfield.
Construction is being managed through 14 packages using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Following the awarding of contracts in February 2023, preparatory works commenced in March 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on 11 March 2024. The expressway is expected to be completed by 2026/27 and will feature tunnel sections through the Eastern Ghats to mitigate environmental impact. The construction involves 14 separate packages divided among various contractors. The roadway will feature 3.75 m wide lanes and a 19.5 m depressed median.
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