Chittoor-Thatchur Expressway: When Will It Be Fully Operational?

The Chittoor-Thatchur National Highway (NH-716B) is rapidly taking shape as a cornerstone of South India's industrial logistics, bridging the gap between the hinterlands of Andhra Pradesh and the bustling maritime gateways of North Chennai. This 116.1 km, six-lane, access-controlled greenfield expressway is more than just a road; it is a dedicated freight and passenger corridor designed to transform how goods and people move across the tri-state region of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

The Strategic Route: A Crucial Link

NH-716B serves as a vital "missing link" in the regional grid. It originates at Keenatampalli near Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, specifically at the interchange with the upcoming Bangalore-Chennai Expressway (BCE). From there, it snakes through the Chittoor and Tiruvallur districts, terminating at Thatchur in Tamil Nadu.

At its terminus, the highway merges seamlessly with the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR). This strategic alignment allows heavy vehicles and container traffic from Bengaluru and Chittoor to reach the Kamarajar (Ennore) and Kattupalli ports without ever entering the congested city limits of Chennai.

Project Specs and Progress

With an estimated project cost of ₹3,998 crore, the highway is being developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I. As of early 2026, the project has reached a significant milestone, with approximately 80% of the construction completed.

The project is divided into four construction packages:

Package 1: Covers 43.8 km from Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh).

Package 2: Spans 17.5 km through the Pallipattu region.

Package 3: Covers 34.66 km near Nagari.

Package 4: The final 20.06 km stretch connecting to Uthukottai and Thatchur.

Economic and Social Benefits

The Chittoor-Thatchur highway is a game-changer for regional economics. By providing a high-speed, signal-free corridor, it slashes travel time between the Chittoor industrial hub and Chennai's ports by nearly 50%.

Port Efficiency: It provides a direct bypass for container trucks, reducing the "hidden cost" of logistics caused by city traffic idling.

Industrial Growth: The route passes near the Ponneri Smart City, Sri City, and various SEZs, making these zones more attractive for manufacturing investments.

Tourism & Pilgrimage: For residents of North Chennai, the highway offers a much smoother journey to Tirupati. Travelers can exit at the Nagari interchange for a direct route to the temple town.

Environmental Impact: By diverting heavy diesel traffic away from the city, it significantly improves air quality in Chennai's residential suburbs.

Current Status and Opening Date

While Packages 1 through 3 are nearing completion and are almost ready for traffic, Package 4 (near Uthukottai to Thatchur) has faced minor delays due to land acquisition challenges and soil extraction permissions.

Projected Timeline: Based on current progress, the highway is expected to be fully operational by December 2026, though certain stretches may open for local traffic earlier in the year.