The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is evaluating the construction of an 18 km road to connect the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, within Karnataka, to the Bengaluru-Kolar Highway (NH 75). This strategic link is aimed at improving connectivity for motorists travelling towards the Andhra Pradesh border, including destinations like Chittoor and Tirupati. Currently, a 68 km section of the expressway — from Hoskote to Bethamangala near Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) — is operational. However, due to the absence of seamless end-to-end connectivity, users are forced to navigate through narrow village roads. “Though the expressway is open for motorists, there is no end-to-end connection… What we are contemplating is upgrading district roads and village roads by linking the expressway with NH 75 from Sundarapalya and to the Mulbagal side,” a senior NHAI official said. The proposed link would significantly increase usability and could justify the imposition of tolls. At present, the expressway sees a modest daily traffic of 1,800 to 2,000 vehicles. NHAI has approached local authorities in Kolar district for technical details on road upgrades and required corrections to make the existing stretches more motorable. Meanwhile, safety remains a pressing concern. Despite a nationwide ban on certain vehicles from expressway use, two-wheelers, autorickshaws, and tractors are frequently spotted on this stretch. “Certain categories of vehicles… are barred from using expressways across the country… Despite these, there are instances of two-wheeler motorists violating the rules,” an official said. In a tragic incident this March, a collision involving a car and a two-wheeler entering from the wrong side resulted in four fatalities. To curb such violations, local enforcement has been ramped up. KGF Superintendent of Police, K M Shantharaju, confirmed that checkpoints have been set up and coordination is ongoing with NHAI to improve surveillance on the expressway.