Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12, 2023, inaugurated the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway. While dedicating the expressway to the nation, the PM said that connectivity between these two hubs of technology and tradition was important from many angles, and that the expressway would act as a catalyst for socioeconomic development in the region.
The expressway has been upgraded from a state highway to a national highway with 10 lanes. The Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway project involves 6-laning of the Bengaluru-Nidaghatta-Mysuru section of the NH-275. Developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 8,480 crore, the 118-km expressway reduce the travel time between Bengaluru and Mysuru from around 3 hours to about 90 minutes.
Noting that the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway crosses through the heritage towns of Ramnagar and Mandya, the PM said that the potential for tourism would get a boost while accessibility to the birthplace of Kaveri would also be made possible.
Earlier, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said that the construction of the expressway aimed to improve accessibility to regions such as Shrirangpatna, Coorg, Ooty and Kerala, bolstering their tourism potential. Gadkari also said that the project encompassed a portion of the NH-275, also entails the development of four rail over-bridges, nine significant bridges, 40 minor bridges and 89 underpasses and overpasses.
Bangalore-Mysore Expressway: key facts
The Bangalore-Mysore Expressway in Karnataka will substantially reduce the travel time from Bengaluru to Mysuru from 3 hours to 90 minutes only.
“After the completion, the travel time between the two cities would be 90 minutes,” Gadkari said earlier, adding that the expressway will ensure development of tourism in Mysore and Srirangapatna, and also help the IT industry.
“It will enhance connectivity between the two important cities and provide an impetus to tourism and economy in the region. This state-of-art project has multiple structures like 8-km long elevated corridor, 9 major bridges, 42 minor bridges, 64 underpasses, 11 overpasses, 4 ROBs and 5 bypasses which will ease out traffic congestion and significantly reduce pollution,” the road transport ministry said in an official statement.
Bangalore-Mysore Expressway toll 2023
The NHAI has increased the toll tax by 22-23% on the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway from April 1, 2023. On a round trip, the toll tax will go up to Rs 250.
Small vehicles: Rs 165 ( Rs250 on round trip)
Large vehicles: Rs 270 ( Rs405 on round trip)
2-wheelers may be banned from plying on Bangalore-Mysore Highway
Amid safety concerns, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to launch a move banning 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers and agricultural vehicles from the Bangalore-Mysore Highway.
