NHAI Charts Major Expressway Connection for Bengaluru's Northern Corridor
Following the successful integration of eastern Bengaluru with the Bengaluru-Chennai expressway at Hoskote, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is now turning its attention to the city's northern sectors. Authorities are actively preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to establish a crucial link between northern Bengaluru and the upcoming Vijayawada expressway, marking another significant step in the region's infrastructure development.
Comprehensive Highway Expansion Plan
Central to this ambitious project is the substantial upgrade of the existing NH-44, which currently serves as the primary Bengaluru-Hyderabad highway. NHAI plans to transform a substantial 90-kilometer stretch into a modern 10-lane roadway. This upgraded corridor will feature a six-lane main carriageway extending from Devanahalli in Karnataka all the way to Kodikonda at the Andhra Pradesh border.
The integration point at Kodikonda represents a critical juncture, where the enhanced NH-44 will seamlessly connect with the greenfield section of the Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada expressway. This new expressway segment, currently under construction by NHAI, will span an impressive 342 kilometers between Kodikonda and Muppavaram in Andhra Pradesh.
Brownfield Upgrades and Travel Time Revolution
The project encompasses both greenfield construction and brownfield improvements to existing road infrastructure. Key brownfield components include the Bengaluru-Kodikonda stretch on NH-44 and the Addanki-Vijayawada section on NH-16. According to senior NHAI officials, this comprehensive approach will dramatically transform travel dynamics between these major urban centers.
The Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada expressway is projected to slash travel time from the current 11-12 hours to just 6-7 hours, effectively cutting journey duration by nearly half. This represents a monumental improvement in connectivity that will benefit both passenger and freight movement across the region.
Detailed Infrastructure Specifications
The highway expansion will follow a carefully planned route, with the six-lane main carriageway passing through Devanahalli and Chikkaballapura before reaching the Andhra Pradesh border at Kodikonda. The draft DPR for this transformative project is expected to be completed by February, with road widening operations scheduled to commence from the Bengaluru side at Kannamangala Gate near Devanahalli.
Land acquisition appears to be progressing smoothly, with NHAI officials confirming that most of the land required for the 10-lane expansion is already in their possession. The only exceptions are three specific locations where railway overbridges need to be constructed, indicating relatively minor acquisition challenges for a project of this scale.
Strategic Interchanges and Traffic Management
Upgrading the existing road infrastructure is expected to significantly ease traffic flow throughout the region. NH-44 is already integrated with the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) at Devanahalli, and the proposed 10-lane road toward Chikkaballapura will pass beneath the existing STRR flyover near Devanahalli.
At the crucial Kodikonda junction, authorities plan to construct a sophisticated cloverleaf interchange that will efficiently connect NH-44 with the new expressway. Traffic flow on STRR toward Hoskote is anticipated to increase substantially, particularly since this stretch is already linked to the partially operational Bengaluru-Chennai expressway. NHAI began toll collection last year for a 70-kilometer segment of this expressway between Hoskote and KGF.
Enhanced Safety Measures for Growing Traffic
Recognizing both heavy existing traffic and concerning accident rates on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad highway, NHAI has incorporated comprehensive safety features into the upgrade plan. The authority will install protective barriers and highway streetlights along the stretch between the trumpet interchange and Devanahalli.
These safety enhancements include 1.5-meter barriers along a 12.5-kilometer section and streetlight installation covering approximately 12 kilometers. These measures specifically address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization in Devanahalli and the expansion of industrial areas, which have significantly increased traffic between the STRR intersection and Hebbal.
Beyond the trumpet interchange, median barriers will be installed to prevent pedestrian accidents, while strategically placed streetlights will dramatically improve nighttime visibility for all road users. This dual approach of physical barriers and enhanced lighting represents a comprehensive strategy to improve road safety on this vital transportation corridor.
The Bengaluru-Vijayawada expressway project, with its integrated approach to highway expansion, strategic interchange development, and enhanced safety features, promises to transform regional connectivity while addressing the growing transportation needs of one of India's most dynamic economic corridors.
