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Bengaluru: A key section of the Bengaluru Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) is set to open by March 2025, bringing much-needed relief to commuters. The 21-kilometre stretch, which will connect Hoskote to the Tamil Nadu border, is now in its advanced stages of construction, according to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
New Stretch Will Ease Traffic Flow
Once this section opens early next year, vehicles can travel along this route without paying tolls for the first few months. When tolls are introduced, they will be lower than the existing operational stretches, including the Dobbspet-Doddaballapur and Doddaballapur-Hoskote sections of the STRR, as per a DH report.
This new stretch will be six lanes wide, featuring an 11-metre-wide median to separate traffic, much like the popular NICE Road in Bengaluru. When this section opens, the total operational length of the STRR will increase to 102.6 kilometres, with the full road expected to cover 288 kilometres when completed in 2027.
Construction Progress
NHAI Project Director KB Jayakumar shared updates on the construction progress, stating that 50% of the work on the Hoskote-TN border stretch has been completed. "We are on track to finish by the February-March deadline," Jayakumar said. The section is being developed as a greenfield project, which means it is being built from scratch, allowing for lower toll rates.
The new road will also link with the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway (NE 7), making it a significant connector for intercity travel.
Rail Overbridge and Underpasses
One of the major highlights of the construction is the rail overbridge (ROB) at Lingadeeramallasandra village, which spans the Bengaluru-Chennai railway line. After receiving clearance from the South Western Railway (SWR), the foundation work for the ROB has started, and it is expected to be completed by February 2025. Additionally, work on 11 underpasses along this stretch is nearing completion, further improving the traffic flow and safety.
Future Plans for STRR
The STRR, designated as National Highway 648, will eventually encircle the entire city of Bengaluru, reducing the need for long-distance commercial vehicles to enter the city. NHAI has already invited tenders for the construction of the remaining five stretches of the STRR, which will cover 144.25 kilometres and cost around Rs 4,749 crore. These additional sections are expected to be completed within two years.
Once fully operational, the STRR will be a game-changer for Bengaluru’s traffic management, easing congestion and providing a faster route for commercial vehicles.