The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has made significant progress on the Bengaluru Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) project. The latest segment, connecting Hoskote to the Tamil Nadu border, is expected to be operational by March 2025. This addition will increase the total length of the STRR to 102.6 km, with the entire project expected to span 288 km and be completed by 2027.

To encourage early usage, the NHAI plans to open this section toll-free for the first few months after its inauguration. Once tolls are introduced, the rates are expected to be lower than those currently being applied on the existing two STRR segments. Project Director KB Jayakumar noted that construction of the new stretch is halfway through and is still on track for a February-March launch. Designed as a greenfield project, this route promises lower toll rates once fully operational.

"The railways have given permission and the foundation work has started. The rail overbridge (ROB) will be ready by February," Jayakumar said.

Currently, users travelling the existing Dabbaspet-Hoskote section pay ₹185 for a one-way trip and ₹275 for a return trip within 24 hours, an average of ₹2.2 per kilometre for one-way journeys. The new 102.6 km stretch will have six lanes and an 11-metre-wide median strip to improve traffic flow, similar to the layout of the NICE Road. It will also provide vital access to the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway (NE 7), significantly improving travel efficiency between these two major cities.

In addition, a critical rail bridge at Lingadeeramallasandra, along the Bengaluru-Chennai railway line, is progressing well, with foundation work initiated after necessary approvals are obtained. The project also includes the completion of eleven underpasses, highlighting the continued progress of the STRR. Once completed, the STRR will serve as a vital bypass for heavy vehicles, helping to ease congestion in Bengaluru.

Designated as National Highway 648 from Dabbaspet to the Tamil Nadu border, this route is crucial for improving Bengaluru’s transport infrastructure. Tenders have been floated for the remaining five sections of the STRR, covering 144.25 kilometres at an estimated cost of ₹4,749.74 crore, with a targeted completion date within two years.