One of the most ambitious infrastructure projects currently underway in India is the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway. The expressway aims to significantly reduce travel time between Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, and Vijayawada, a major city in Andhra Pradesh. The expressway is set to bring a major change in the connectivity and economic condition of the region by linking two important economic and cultural hubs of South India together.
Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway Overview
- Length: 518 km
- Lanes: 6
- Cost: ₹ 14,000 crores
- Starting Point: Kodikonda, Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh
- Ending Point: NH-44, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Completion Year: 2026/27
About Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway
The Bengaluru–Vijayawada Expressway, also known as Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada (BKV) Expressway or NH-544G, is 518 km (322 mi) long and is an under-construction expressway between Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, and Vijayawada, the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh.
The expressway is being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, a road development initiative that aims to improve road infrastructure across the country. The expressways will be an important part of the larger highways and expressway network that connects major cities, facilitate faster movement of goods and passengers, and boost economic activity.
Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway Route
The expressway will start from National Highway 44 (NH-44) to Bengaluru, connecting Kodikonda in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh. It will then end at Addanki in Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh, passing through the Rayalaseema region and Podili Prakasam district. From there it connects to NH-16 Vijayawada. The route will pass through the following Districts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh:
- Sri Sathya Sai district
- Kadapa district
- Nellore district
- Prakasam district
- Bapatla district
- Guntur district
- Krishna district
- NTR district
Karnataka:
- Bengaluru Urban district
- Bengaluru Rural district
- Chikkaballapur district
Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway Progress
The expressway is being constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in 14 phases. It includes the 343 km (213 mi) long greenfield section from Kodikonda to Addanki.
The NHAI invited technical bids for construction in September 2022 and for packages in December 2022. In Jan. 2023, Dilip Buildcon and Raj Path Infracon were awarded two of the first four packages out of 13 bidders. Dilip Buildcon won the tenders for the first and fourth packages, while Raj Path Infracon won the tenders for the second and third packages.
The final tender was awarded to Megha Engineering & Infrastructure (MEIL) in February 2023. The highway is divided into two parts according to the geography of the area: greenfield (from Kodikonda to Addanki) and brownfield (up to Bengaluru and Vijayawada)
The lanes of the expressway will be 3.75 m (12.3 ft) wide, with 3 m (9.8 ft) paved or 2 m (6 ft 7 in) unpaved road. The expressway will also have a 19.5 m (64 ft) depressed median.
It will be built using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has targeted completion of the construction by March 2024. Full-fledged work has not yet begun.
Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway Benefits
The Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway has several additional long-term benefits. First, the expressway will reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Vijayawada by about six hours from the current ten to twelve hours. This will not only reduce fuel consumption and vehicular emissions but will also save time for commuters, thereby stabilizing the environment.
The expressway will boost economic activity in the region by improving access to markets, reducing transport costs, and facilitating faster movement of goods. This will particularly benefit the agricultural and industrial sectors of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, which are heavily dependent on road transport.
Also, the expressway will improve connectivity to several important religious and tourist places like Tirupati and Srikalahasti, making it easier for tourists and pilgrims to visit these places. This will boost the local economy and increase tourism.
In addition, the expressway will provide modern, well-maintained roadways, including dedicated lanes for heavy vehicles, service lanes, and rest areas to enhance road safety. This will improve the driving experience and reduce the risk of accidents.
Conclusion
Overall, the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway is a revolutionary project that will give a lot to the southern part of India. The expressway will boost economic activity in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, improve connectivity and reduce travel time. The timely completion of the project will prove to be an important milestone in India’s infrastructure development, paving the way for a more prosperous and connected future.
FAQs
1. What is the total length of the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway?
The total length of The Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway is 518 kilometers.
2. When is the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway expected to be completed?
The expressway is expected to be fully operational by 2026-27.
3. Which cities and towns will the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway pass through?
the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway will pass through key cities and towns like Bengaluru, Chikkaballapur, Kodikonda, Gorantla, Nallamada, Sri Sathya Sai district, Pulivendula, Mydukur, Kadapa, Mallepalle, Vangapadu, Addanki, Podili, Guntur, Mangalagiri, Amaravati and Vijayawada.
4. What are the benefits of the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway?
The Bengaluru-Vijayawada expressway will reduce travel time, boost economic activities, improve connectivity to religious and tourist destinations, and enhance road safety.
5. How is the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway funded?
The Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway is funded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Bharatmala Pariyojana.
6. What is the construction cost of the Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway?
Bengaluru-Vijayawada Expressway will be built at a cost of about ₹14,000 crore.