Bengaluru's Satellite Town Ring Road: Hoskote To Tamil Nadu Border Set To Open By March 2025

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has achieved a major milestone in the construction of the Bengaluru Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), with the latest stretch from Hoskote to the Tamil Nadu border scheduled to open by March 2025. This new section will extend the STRR's operational length to 102.6 km and is part of a broader project that will ultimately span 288 km by its expected completion in 2027. For the first few months after opening, vehicles will be able to travel this section toll-free, with affordable toll rates anticipated later, lower than those on the two existing STRR sections.

NHAI's Project Director for Bengaluru, KB Jayakumar, confirmed that 50% of the work on this section has been completed, and the project is on track for a February-March deadline. As a greenfield project constructed from the ground up, the Hoskote-TN border stretch will benefit from lower toll rates once they are implemented. For comparison, car users currently pay Rs 185 for a single trip and Rs 275 for a return journey within 24 hours on the Dobbspet-Hoskote stretch, translating to Rs 2.2 per km for a single trip and Rs 1.68 for a return journey.

This 102.6 km stretch will feature six lanes and an 11-metre-wide depressed median designed to separate traffic, similar to the layout of NICE Road. Additionally, this segment will provide direct access to the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway (NE 7), significantly improving connectivity between the two cities and cutting travel time.

Construction progress also includes a critical rail overbridge (ROB) at Lingadeeramallasandra village, along the Bengaluru-Chennai railway line. "The railways has given clearance, and foundation work has started. The ROB will be ready by February," said Jayakumar. Eleven underpasses along this stretch are also nearing completion, further highlighting the project's steady progress.

Once fully operational, the STRR will form a complete ring around Bengaluru, functioning as a bypass for long-distance commercial vehicles, thereby reducing congestion in the city. The road, designated as National Highway 648 from Dobbspet to the Tamil Nadu border, is a crucial part of Bengaluru's infrastructure strategy. Tenders have been invited for the remaining five sections of the STRR, covering 144.25 km at an estimated cost of Rs 4,749.74 crore, with a two-year timeline for completion.