Construction of the much-delayed four-lane Mysuru–Kushalnagar highway has officially begun, marking a significant step forward for the ₹4,130-crore infrastructure project aimed at decongesting traffic and improving regional connectivity in Karnataka.
After multiple setbacks, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced work on two critical stretches of the 92-km greenfield corridor. The ongoing construction covers a 19-km segment between Agrahara in Srirangapatna and Yalachanahalli in Mysuru taluk, and a 24.10-km stretch from Belthur in Hunsur taluk to Harave Mallarajapattana in Periyapatna taluk. The progress follows the Centre’s approval of Package 3, a key demand from regular commuters on the overcrowded Bengaluru–Madikeri route. Designed to bypass Mysuru city entirely, the new alignment begins at Guddehosur near Kushalnagar and connects to NH-275 near Srirangapatna. Officials say the route will divert long-distance traffic, especially towards Madikeri, Mangaluru, and Kerala, thereby easing congestion in Mysuru’s urban limits.
Originally inaugurated in March 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the highway’s implementation had been delayed due to prolonged land acquisition issues. Officials cited legal disputes, inadequate documentation, and compensation disagreements as the primary reasons for the delay. Now back on track, the project is expected to transform travel in the region. “Once completed, the new corridor will offer faster and safer access between Bengaluru and western Karnataka,” said a senior NHAI official. “It will significantly cut travel time and reduce dependence on the congested Mysuru–Hunsur road.” The upgrade has been welcomed by commuters who face daily traffic snarls and road safety concerns. “Driving between Bengaluru and Madikeri has become dangerous,” said Shivakumar R., a tech professional from Bengaluru. “Potholes and narrow lanes make overtaking risky, especially on weekends when traffic surges.”
Sathyanarayana Prasad, a regular traveller from Hunsur, added, “There’s no alternative route, and the existing road is in terrible shape. The new four-lane highway isn’t just a luxury—it’s urgently needed.” The highway, once completed, is set to become a vital link between southern Karnataka and coastal and hill districts, offering smoother and more efficient travel for both commuters and cargo.
