NHAI's Ambitious Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway Project to Revolutionize Connectivity
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is taking a significant leap forward in enhancing road infrastructure in southern India by preparing a comprehensive detailed project report (DPR) for a major expressway project. This initiative aims to seamlessly connect the northern regions of Bengaluru with the Vijayawada expressway, promising to transform inter-state travel and boost economic corridors.
Major Upgrades to NH-44 and New Greenfield Section
As a core component of this project, the existing NH-44 (Bengaluru-Hyderabad highway) will undergo a substantial transformation. Over a 90-kilometer stretch, this vital artery will be upgraded from its current configuration to a 10-lane road. The upgraded highway will feature a six-lane main carriageway extending from Devanahalli in Karnataka to Kodikonda in Andhra Pradesh, ensuring smoother and faster traffic flow.
From Kodikonda, the road will integrate with the greenfield section of the Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada expressway, which will pass through Kadapa. This new greenfield segment, being constructed by NHAI, will span an impressive 342 kilometers between Kodikonda and Muppavaram in Andhra Pradesh. The project also includes brownfield upgrades of existing road infrastructure, notably the Bengaluru-Kodikonda stretch on NH-44 and the Addanki-Vijayawada section on NH-16.
Dramatic Reduction in Travel Time
A senior NHAI official highlighted the transformative impact of this expressway, stating that the Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada expressway will slash travel time from 11-12 hours to just 6-7 hours. This represents a reduction of nearly half, making journeys more efficient and less taxing for commuters and freight transporters alike.
The official elaborated, "Upgrading NH-44 for a length of 90km from Devanahalli to Kodikonda is integral to the expressway project. The existing four-lane highway will be expanded into a 10-lane road, with a six-lane main carriageway passing through Devanahalli, Chikkaballapura, up to the Andhra Pradesh border and Kodikonda." The draft DPR for this ambitious project is anticipated to be ready by February, with road widening operations set to commence from the Bengaluru side at Kannamangala Gate near Devanahalli.
Land Acquisition and Strategic Interchanges
Most of the land required for the 10-lane expansion is already in NHAI's possession, with only three locations pending due to the need for railway overbridges. The official emphasized that upgrading the existing road infrastructure will significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity.
"NH-44 is already integrated with the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) at Devanahalli. The proposed 10-lane road towards Chikkaballapura will pass beneath the existing STRR flyover near Devanahalli. At Kodikonda, a cloverleaf interchange will be constructed to connect NH-44 with the expressway," the official explained. This cloverleaf interchange is expected to streamline traffic movements and reduce bottlenecks.
Enhanced Traffic Flow and Safety Measures
Traffic flow on the STRR towards Hoskote is projected to increase, as this stretch is already linked to the partially operational Bengaluru-Chennai expressway. Notably, last year, NHAI initiated toll collection for a 70-kilometer segment of this expressway between Hoskote and KGF, indicating progressive developments in the region's highway network.
In response to heavy traffic and a concerning rise in road accidents on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad highway, NHAI has prioritized safety enhancements. The authority plans to install barriers and highway streetlights along the stretch between the trumpet interchange and Devanahalli. Specifically, 1.5-meter barriers will be erected along a 12.5-kilometer stretch, and streetlights will be installed for approximately 12 kilometers to improve visibility and prevent accidents.
The official noted, "These measures are being implemented to bolster road safety. With rapid urbanization in Devanahalli and the expansion of industrial areas, traffic between the STRR intersection and Hebbal has surged significantly. Beyond the trumpet interchange, median barriers will be installed to deter pedestrian accidents, and streetlights will be provided to enhance nighttime visibility."
Conclusion
This comprehensive project by NHAI underscores a commitment to modernizing India's road infrastructure, fostering regional connectivity, and ensuring safer travel experiences. By integrating upgrades to NH-44 with a new greenfield expressway, the initiative is poised to reduce travel times substantially, support economic growth, and address critical safety concerns on one of South India's busiest highways.
