Surat Chennai Expressway | Full Route, Progress Info, Cost & More
The Surat Chennai Expressway is one of India’s most important infrastructure projects under the Bharatmala Pariyojna Phase 2, connecting the industrial city of Surat in Gujarat to Chennai in Tamil Nadu. This upcoming expressway aims to significantly reduce travel time, improve trade flow, boost real estate, and promote regional development across six Indian states.
Main Features of the Surat Chennai Expressway
Here are the major highlights of the project in a tabular format:
| Project Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 1,271 km |
| Project Cost Estimate | ₹45,000 to ₹50,000 crore |
| Estimated Completion | 2027 |
| Type of Construction | Mix of Greenfield & Brownfield |
| Number of Lanes | 6-lane expressway |
| Design Speed | 120 km/h |
| Project Model | Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) |
| States Covered | Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu |
Surat Chennai Expressway Route and Connectivity
The Surat Chennai Expressway will travel through a total of six states:
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Gujarat
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Maharashtra
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Karnataka
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Telangana
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Andhra Pradesh
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Tamil Nadu
Key cities along the route include Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Kurnool, Kadapa, and Tirupati.
The corridor avoids major congested urban zones like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, offering faster connectivity for freight and passengers across India’s western, southern, and central regions.
Travel Time and Distance Reduction
One of the biggest advantages of the project is its ability to shorten the travel time and distance between Surat and Chennai.
| Travel Metric | Current | After Expressway |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 1,570 km | 1,271 km |
| Travel Time | 35 hours | 28 hours |
| Time Saved | — | 6-7 hours |
Division of the Surat Chennai Expressway
The expressway is divided into two main corridors:
1. Surat – Solapur Economic Corridor
Length: Approx. 564 km
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Covers Gujarat and Maharashtra
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Includes a mix of greenfield and brownfield segments
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Nashik to Ahmednagar is part of the greenfield development
2. Solapur – Chennai Economic Corridor
Length: Approx. 707 km
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Covers Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
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Major greenfield stretch from Akkalkot (MH) to Mahabubnagar (TS)
Package-Wise Construction Progress
The entire corridor is being built in packages to manage construction efficiently. Below is the construction status of a few major packages:
Surat to Solapur Section
| Package No | From – To | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shahapur – Khamgaon | Tender Cancelled |
| 4 | Ambegaon – Chehedi Khurd | Under Bidding |
| 5 | Chehedi Khurd – Khandalwadi | Bidding In Progress |
| 14 | Hasapur – Badada | Under Construction |
Solapur to Chennai Section
Maharashtra & Karnataka Stretch
| Package No | From – To | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akkalkot – Baddal (MH-KA border) | Construction Started |
| 4 | Baswantpur – Singnodi | Nearing Completion (June 2025) |
Telangana Stretch
| Package No | From – To | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singnodi – Julekal | 39.3 km |
| 2 | Julekal – Kurnool (NH 40) | 38.2 km |
Andhra Pradesh Stretch
| Package No | From – To | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kadapa – Chinna Orampadu (NH 716) | 64.2 km |
| 2 | Chinna Orampadu – Tirupati Airport (NH 565) | 57.7 km |
Timeline of the Surat Chennai Expressway
| Year/Month | Event Description |
|---|---|
| March 2021 | Project announced by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways |
| February 2022 | Bidding process for various packages initiated |
| January 2023 | Foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| June 2025 | Early opening expected for parts of Karnataka |
| 2027 | Target year for full project completion |
Economic and Development Impact - Surat Chennai Expressway
1. Boost to Trade and Industry
The expressway is part of a larger effort to improve industrial corridors across India. It will directly connect key manufacturing hubs in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, promoting smoother transport of goods and raw materials.
2. Job Creation
Thousands of jobs will be created during the construction and operational phases ranging from construction workers and engineers to service providers along the corridor.
3. Tourism Development
New access points to Western Ghats, Tirupati, and Andhra Pradesh interiors will help boost tourism, especially religious and eco-tourism.
4. Environmental Planning
The expressway design includes plantation of trees and shrubs along the route to minimize the environmental impact and restore green cover, especially in ecologically sensitive zones like Nashik and the Western Ghats.
Real Estate Opportunities along the Expressway
The expressway will unlock massive real estate potential:
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Industrial Real Estate: New logistics parks, warehouses, and factories are expected along the corridor.
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Commercial Real Estate: Highway rest stops, fuel stations, motels, and retail outlets will develop along the route.
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Residential Development: As the region grows, housing demand will rise, creating affordable and premium residential zones.
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Land Value Appreciation: Land along and near the expressway alignment is expected to appreciate steadily over the next 5–10 years.
Final Thoughts - Surat Chennai Expressway
The Surat Chennai Expressway is not just a new road; it’s a strategic infrastructure development that will play a key role in unifying South and West India through fast, seamless connectivity. With over 1,270 kilometers of highway under construction, the expressway is set to transform trade, boost real estate, and promote economic growth across six states. With multiple packages already under construction and some nearing completion, the expressway is moving towards its 2027 deadline at a steady pace.
