Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway Phase-III: 90% work complete in three major packages; July 2026 finish likely

Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway Phase III update: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirms 90% progress on major packages of the Bangalore–Chennai Expressway Phase-III. Get the latest on the NH-48 Sriperumbudur–Karaipettai revival, new October 2026 deadlines, and the resolution of land acquisition hurdles.

Written by Shubham Chhabra

Updated: January 31, 2026 09:41 IST

The Centre has told Parliament that Phase III of the Bangalore Chennai Expressway has made significant progress, with around 90 percent work completed across most stretches. While three packages are on track for completion by July 2026, work on one section remains stalled due to financial constraints faced by the concessionaire.

Bangalore Chennai Expressway Phase III: Three of four construction packages are close to completion, while one stretch faces delays due to financial issues with the concessionaire.

Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway: The Phase III stretch of the Bangalore–Chennai Expressway is nearing completion, with most packages recording strong progress after early delays linked to land and utility issues. At the same time, work on the six-laning of a key section of NH-48 in Tamil Nadu is moving ahead after years of setbacks, the government informed Parliament.

Bangalore–Chennai Expressway Phase III gathers pace

Phase III of the Bangalore–Chennai Expressway spans 106 km, of which 94 km falls in Tamil Nadu and 12 km in Andhra Pradesh. The project was taken up under the Hybrid Annuity Mode and divided into four packages. In the initial stages, construction faced hurdles such as land acquisition, shifting of utilities, especially Extra High Tension power lines, railway approvals and forest clearances.

According to the update, all these issues have now been resolved. Work is currently underway in three packages covering 80.2 km, with physical progress close to 90 percent. These stretches are expected to be completed by July 2026. Construction on the remaining 25.5 km package has been stalled since May 2025 due to financial problems faced by the concessionaire. The process to substitute the concessionaire is currently underway.

NH-48 six-laning sees fresh push after long delay

The six-laning of the Sriperumbudur–Karaipettai section of NH-48 is part of the larger Poonamallee–Walajahpet project. Initially awarded in 2012 on a Build-Operate-Transfer toll basis, the concession agreement was terminated in 2016 following defaults by the concessionaire. The remaining work was later split into three packages.

Progress on the Sriperumbudur–Karaipettai stretch also suffered due to the non-availability of pond ash and fly ash from thermal power plants, which are crucial for embankment works near underpasses and flyovers. Of the total 34 km length, 17.2 km has been completed so far. The balance 16.8 km was awarded through fresh bidding at a cost of Rs 341.50 crore in November 2024. Work began in January 2025 and is scheduled for completion by October 2026, with around 20 percent progress achieved so far.

The existing road is being maintained to ensure traffic remains passable, though diversions through service roads are in place due to ongoing construction. Fresh overlays have been laid on service roads to improve travel conditions. Safety measures, including vehicular and pedestrian underpasses, flyovers and grade separators, are also being added, especially at accident-prone black spots.