New High Speed Expressway: A new high speed expressway is going to be built which can reduce the journey by directly 8 hours.
New Expressway: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has unveiled plans for a New High Speed Expressway to connect Bengaluru and Mangaluru. It aims to reduce travel time by 7 to 8 hours. In July 2024, the ministry started looking for a consulting firm for the project. By November 2024, 9 companies submitted their bids. The ministry is expected to select a winner in early 2025. After the selection, the consultant will have 540 days to prepare the report. This will lay the groundwork for starting construction work by 2028.
Bengaluru-Mangaluru Expressway
The 335 km long expressway will be built by the Karnataka Public Works Department and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Both agencies will work together on route alignment and land acquisition to run the project smoothly.
Travel and business will be easier
This expressway will be four to six lanes, which will pass through Hassan and connect Bengaluru to the coastal city of Mangaluru. This design will ease traffic flow and reduce congestion on the road. Once the construction is completed, the expressway can reduce travel time by 7 to 8 hours. This will change the existing journey, which is often slowed down due to traffic delays. The new road will strengthen Karnataka’s transport network and boost financial activities. Travel and business between Bengaluru and Mangaluru will become easier.
Many challenges on the way in the current situation
The existing Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway often faces challenges. Especially during the monsoon season, when landslides are common. Although some parts of the road already have six lanes. But travel is delayed due to old infrastructure and poor conditions.