Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway Hits 100km Mark: New Andhra Stretch Open, Fresh Toll Rates Applied:
Motorists travelling between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have a major reason to cheer. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially opened a crucial 25-kilometre section of the upcoming Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway between Bethamangala and Baireddypalle. This milestone marks the first operational stretch of the high-speed corridor in Andhra Pradesh, bringing the total usable length of the expressway close to the 100-kilometre mark.
Seamless Interstate Connectivity for Tirupati and Chittoor Travellers
The newly inaugurated 25-kilometre Andhra Pradesh segment seamlessly connects to the existing 71-kilometre stretch from Hoskote to Bethamangala in Karnataka, which was opened to the public in early 2025. This combined 96-kilometre contiguous corridor offers a massive boost for commuters. Drivers heading towards destinations like Chittoor, Tirupati, or further down to Chennai can now cruise along the expressway up to Baireddypalle, exit smoothly, and seamlessly continue their journey via existing national highways and well-connected district roads.
Inside the Andhra Pradesh Grid: Forest Clearances and Wildlife Underpasses
NHAI’s broader plan for Andhra Pradesh spans 85 kilometres, divided into three construction packages: Bethamangala to Baireddypalle, Baireddypalle to Bangarupalem, and Bangarupalem to Gudipala. While progress is moving rapidly, an 11-kilometre bottleneck remains on the Baireddypalle-Bangarupalem stretch. This specific portion is currently awaiting final forest clearances, during which the authority has planned a dedicated wildlife underpass to ensure safe animal corridors without disrupting high-speed traffic flow.
New Expressway Toll Rates Out: What You Will Pay Now
With the extension of the operational highway up to Baireddypalle, NHAI has implemented a revised toll structure for the entire active Hoskote-Baireddypalle stretch.
Cars, Jeeps, and Vans: ₹195 for a single journey; ₹290 for a return trip.
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) & Minibuses: ₹315 for a single journey; ₹470 for a return trip.
Trucks and Buses: ₹655 for a single journey; ₹985 for a return trip.
For frequent commuters, a monthly pass covering 50 single journeys is available for ₹6,465. In a major relief for locals, NHAI clarified that no toll fees apply to vehicles strictly utilising the entry and exit ramps to access or leave the main carriageway.
Final Countdown: When Will the Entire 262km Corridor Open?
While nearly 96 kilometres are fully functional, commuters will have to wait for a seamless, continuous expressway experience from Bengaluru to Chennai. Addressing the remaining construction and environmental clearances across the unfinished packages—particularly in the Tamil Nadu sector—NHAI has officially set a new target completion deadline of December 2026 to open the entire 262-kilometre expressway to the public.
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