How Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway will be a gamechanger in South India

Travelling between Bengaluru to Mysuru is going to become easier after the highly anticipated Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, which has been upgraded from a state highway to a national highway, with 10 lanes, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12.

It's all about time now

The new expressway, without doubt will reduce the travel time between some of the most popular Karnataka cities from 3 hours to 75 minutes. The 10-lane road, is featuring 6 main carriageway lanes and 2 service road lanes on either side has 6 bypasses - Bidadi, Ramanagara, Channapatna, Maddur, Mandya and Srirangapatna, all of which are open for traffic now.

The 118 km long expressway project, featuring 6 main carriageway lanes and 2 service road lanes on either side, has been constructed at a total cost of around Rs 8,480 crores. The project is divided into two carriages -- one is Bengaluru to Nidagatta and Nidagatta to Mysore. Of the total length, the first stretch, 52km is a greenfield consisting of five bypasses which will reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru and create a hassle-free journey for all commuters.

Way beyond Mysuru

The Expressway also goes way beyond Mysuru, with some of the most important tourist towns and destinations in three states - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. For instance, towns like Shrirangpatna, Ooty, Coorg and Wayanad can be reached in just five hours or fewer from Bengaluru, thereby bolstering their tourism potential.

The Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway, which encompasses a portion of NH-275, entails the development of four rail overbridges, nine significant bridges, 40 minor bridges, and 89 underpasses and overpasses

The expressway is constructed as part of the Union Government's flagship Bharatmala Pariyojana (BMP). However, autos, bikes, and other slow-speed vehicles has been banned on the expressway.

Earlier, PM Modi highlighted the importance of the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway connectivity project in contributing to the growth of Karnataka's trajectory.

Known as 'Spiderman' for building web of roads across the country, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway will cut down the travel time between the two cities by 2-3 hours. It will also bring down fuel consumption and carbon footprint.

Other top tourist destinations:

• Bengaluru to Coorg 3.5-4 hours (earlier: 6 hours)
• Bengaluru to Kozhikode 5.5 hours (8 hours)
• Bengaluru to Wayanad 4 hours (6 hours)
• Bengaluru to Kannur: 5 hours (7 hours)
• Bengaluru to Bandipur: 3.5 hours (5.5 hours)
• Bengaluru to Nagarahole: 3 hours (5 hours)

Real estate sector gets a boost

Just like the Golden Quadrilateral or the 'Svarnim Chaturbhuj' has successfully brought the major metro cities of India together, this grand expressway will bring Silicon Valley of India and Karnataka's Cultural Capital closer.

This expressway will enhance the civic and economical logistics to a great level and thereby developing the various villages and towns alongside too. It will alsoact as a catalyst for socio-economic development in the region.

Some of the major areas along this roadway are Bidadi, Ramanagara, Channapatna, Maddur, Mandya and Srirangapatna. These regions, along with both Bengaluru and Mysore, will develop more in both commercial and residential spaces.