Chennai-Bengaluru expressway project stalls due to delay on stretch from Arakkonam to Kancheepuram

Work on the four-lane access-controlled greenfield project that will connect Bengaluru and Chennai in Tamil Nadu, excluding the stretch from Arakkonam to Kancheepuram, is expected to be completed by June or July this year.

The only structure that needs to be completed in the package from Walajahpet to Arakkonam is the railway overbridge. “A building belonging to the railways, which was falling into line, was removed a few days ago. The remaining work can now be done,” said a source from NHAI.

The 105.75 km long stretch of highway in the state is being constructed in four sections: Gudipala to Walajahpet (24 km, of which 23.85 km has been completed); Walajahpet to Arakkonam (24.5 km, of which 20.35 km has been constructed); Arakkonam to Kancheepuram (25.5 km, of which only 11 km has been completed); and Kancheepuram to Sriperumbudur (31.7 km, of which 25.25 km is ready).

Due to the delay in the package from Arakkonam to Kancheepuram, a source in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said that the contractor was slower than others in executing the project, which is why the company intends to terminate the contractor’s employment. However, the work has not started yet.

An independent source privy to the progress of the project said the contractor went to court against the NHAI notification and the Supreme Court disposed of the matter by directing the NHAI to give the company another opportunity to explain its position. “But we don’t see that happening in the near future,” the source said.

A retired NHAI official said the company responsible for stalling the entire project should not be given any more time. “They seem to be stalling and unnecessarily delaying such an important project that will help decongest the existing Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway. The section through Karnataka has been completed and the section through Andhra Pradesh also seems to be at an advanced stage,” he said.

Trumpet change goes well
Meanwhile, work to build a trumpet junction (a larger grade separator) at Sriperumbudur is progressing well. Once completed, the six arms of the interchange will allow vehicles traveling to and from Vellore, Kancheepuram and Chennai to access the expressway.

According to NHAI sources, the construction work of the ₹ 122.03 crore facility, which will be 1,089 km long, started in August 2024 and is expected to be completed this year. Approximately 25% of the work is being done by the contractor pre-casting 198 of the 221 beams completed.