New Delhi, Feb 25 : Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said the Chennai–Bengaluru Expressway will cut travel time between the two cities to just two hours once it becomes fully operational by the end of the year.
The nearly 260-km corridor, currently partially functional, is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and ease traffic congestion along the busy route. Gadkari made the remarks while addressing the 3rd Edition of the Build India Infra Awards, where he also noted that the Delhi–Dehradun expressway is ready and allows commuters to complete the journey within two hours.
The minister added that infrastructure expansion is aimed at reducing distances between major cities, including a proposed reduction of 320 km between Delhi and Chennai. Emphasising sustainability, he said the government is focusing on eco-friendly road construction and exploring tunnel-building opportunities across the country.
Gadkari also revealed plans to pilot hydrogen fuel filling stations on ten routes and stressed stricter action against contractors involved in malpractice. He underlined the importance of strengthening road connectivity with neighbouring countries and said a policy is being prepared to support states in developing national highway-standard roads.