Tenders invited for DPR for Bengaluru-Mangaluru Expressway, construction may begin by 2028

In a bid to enhance Karnataka’s transport network, the Central Government has laid out plans for the Bengaluru-Mangaluru Expressway, a high-speed corridor designed to connect the cities of Bengaluru and Mangaluru over a distance of roughly 335 kilometers via Hassan. The expressway aims to reduce travel time significantly, enabling passengers to complete the journey in just 3.5 to 4 hours instead of the current six to seven.

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The proposed expressway, following the success of the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, marks a substantial step forward in regional connectivity. The project is currently in its early stages, with tenders invited for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). This report will assess design, feasibility, and the logistical roadmap for the expressway’s implementation. Nine companies have already submitted tenders, with the final selection anticipated by January.

Transport experts highlight the expressway's potential to strengthen the logistics network, allowing for faster movement of goods and resources, especially with Mangaluru's port as a strategic import-export hub.

Projected to start construction by 2028, the expressway faces challenges, particularly environmental concerns surrounding tree removal. Balancing infrastructure development with ecological considerations will be critical to gaining public support. Despite these hurdles, the Bengaluru-Mangaluru Expressway is poised to stimulate economic growth, tourism, and investment along the corridor, offering long-term benefits to the state.