CHENNAI: A combination of statutory, technical and financial issues has been dogging the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway, delaying its completion by about two years, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha.

The challenges are more serious in the case of Phase 3, particularly in Tamil Nadu, said the Minister, adding that all the works, except a stretch between Arakkonam and Kancheepuram, which is facing a contractor issue, are expected to be completed by the end of June 2026.

In a written reply to an unstarred question by DMK’s South Chennai MP, Thamizhachi Thangapandian, the Minister said that while the 71-km stretch of the National Expressway-7 project in Karnataka has already been completed and opened to traffic, Phase 2 and Phase 3 were hit by delays. These stretches cover 191.8 km in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The total cost of Phase 2 and Phase 3 is estimated at about Rs 13,247 crore, of which expenditure of over Rs 9,126 crore has been incurred so far.

As of November 30, 2025, overall physical progress in Phase 2 (Andhra Pradesh) stood at around 87 per cent, while Phase 3 (Tamil Nadu) had achieved about 79 per cent completion.

Phase 3 has faced more serious challenges, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The Gudipala–Walajapet section progressed to 92 per cent, with delays caused by multiple approvals from the Railways for a bowstring girder road overbridge and hard rock cutting near residential settlements. The Walajapet–Arakkonam stretch reached 93 per cent progress but was affected by delays in shifting power lines and Railway buildings.

The Arakkonam–Kancheepuram package has emerged as a major bottleneck, with only 54 per cent physical progress achieved. Work on this stretch has been stopped since May 2025 due to financial constraints of the concessionaire, and the Ministry has issued a notice expressing its intention to terminate the contract on November 11.

The Kancheepuram–Sriperumbudur section recorded 83 per cent progress, with delays linked to land and crop compensation issues for erecting new power transmission towers, shortage of borrow earth, and unseasonal rainfall.

The construction of a trumpet interchange near Sriperumbudur, connecting the expressway with the Maduravoyal–Walajapet section of NH-48, has progressed only 24 per cent. The Ministry cited poor contractor performance, design changes, inadequate mobilisation of resources, and unseasonal rains as reasons for the delay.

In Phase 2, the Bethamangala–Byreddypalli section recorded 96 per cent progress, with delays attributed to clearance related to eco-sensitive zones and changes in the scope of work. The Byreddypalli–Bangarupalem stretch reached 80 per cent progress but was held up due to conditions imposed by the National Board for Wildlife, which required additional structures in forest areas. Another package between Bangarupalem and Gudipala was substantially completed, with delays arising from the shifting of extra high-tension power lines.

NEW DEADLINES

Phase 2

Bethamangala–Byreddypalli (Pkg I): December 31

Byreddypalli–Bangarupalem (Pkg II): June 17, 2026

Bangarupalem–Gudipala (Pkg III): Completed on May 9

Phase 3

Gudipala–Walajapet (Pkg I): January 15

Walajapet–Arakkonam (Pkg II): January 31

Arakkonam–Kancheepuram (Pkg III): Not fixed; termination notice issued

Kancheepuram–Sriperumbudur (Pkg IV): April 30

Trumpet interchange near Sriperumbudur: June 30