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The Centre has cleared the first phase of a highway expansion project in Tumakuru district that will create a 52-km four-lane corridor linking Sira, Badavanahalli and Bairenahalli in central Karnataka. The 20.2-km Sira–Badavanahalli section of NH-69 is expected to enter construction shortly after the National Highways Authority of India completed tendering. The remaining 32-km Badavanahalli–Bairenahalli section, estimated to cost around INR 1,000 crore, is in the final stages of approval. Together, the two projects are estimated to cost INR 1,585 crore, with the Centre bearing the full cost, including land acquisition. The upgraded corridor is expected to strengthen road links with Bengaluru, Tirupati and Chennai, improve access to industrial areas in Tumakuru and facilitate freight movement towards manufacturing hubs and Chennai port.
The Centre has cleared the first phase of a highway expansion project in Tumakuru district, with the 20.2-km Sira–Badavanahalli section of National Highway 69 set to be widened to four lanes and a further 32-km stretch to Bairenahalli awaiting final approval.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the tendering process for the first phase, paving the way for construction of the Sira–Badavanahalli section. The Badavanahalli–Bairenahalli stretch is in the final stages of approval and is expected to be sanctioned by the Centre at an estimated cost of around INR 1,000 crore.
Together, the two projects will create a 52-km four-lane corridor connecting Sira, Badavanahalli and Bairenahalli. The combined investment is estimated at INR 1,585 crore. Union minister of state for railways and Jal Shakti V Somanna said the project would benefit Tumakuru as well as the wider central Karnataka region by improving connectivity.
The Centre will bear the entire cost of both projects, including land acquisition, meaning the Karnataka government will not have to bear the financial cost of the highway expansion. With tendering already completed for the first phase, construction of that section is expected to commence shortly.
According to NHAI officials, the corridor has wider strategic significance because it will extend the reach of the Bengaluru–Chennai Economic Corridor towards Tumakuru district. The four-laning is expected to strengthen connectivity to the Vasanthanarasapura and Sira industrial areas and support freight movement beyond Bengaluru.
The improved road network is also expected to strengthen links between central Karnataka and industrial and manufacturing hubs in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The corridor will provide connectivity between Central Karnataka, North Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka and these regional economic centres.
For passenger traffic, improved access towards Tirupati is one of the key expected benefits. Once the upgraded corridor is completed, the road distance between Sira and Tirupati is expected to reduce by nearly 60–70 km. A senior NHAI engineer said commuters would be able to travel through Madhugiri, Chikkaballapur and Chintamani, reducing the journey time to around four to five hours.
The highway expansion is also expected to have implications for freight movement from Tumakuru's industrial areas. Improved connectivity between the Vasanthanarasapura and Sira industrial areas and Chennai port could reduce freight costs for manufacturers and improve their competitiveness.
The project is additionally expected to strengthen connectivity to the proposed second international airport in the Bengaluru region. This would provide another transport link between industrial locations in Tumakuru district and the wider Bengaluru economic region.
The first phase has therefore moved into the implementation stage, while the second phase remains subject to final approval. Once both sections are completed, the 52-km four-lane corridor will provide an upgraded road connection across central Karnataka and improve links towards Bengaluru, Tirupati and Chennai.
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