The long-awaited Sadahalli Underpass on National Highway 44 is set to begin construction by January 2026, paving the way for a fully signal-free corridor between Bengaluru city and Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The project is being executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to eliminate the persistent traffic bottleneck at Sadahalli Gate — the last traffic signal on the vital airport route.
700-Metre Underpass, 35-Crore Project
The upcoming underpass will span 700 metres and is estimated to cost ₹35 crore. NHAI has outlined a 15-month completion timeline. Once operational, the revamped junction will significantly improve traffic flow for thousands of daily commuters and airport-bound travellers.
The design includes a 3+3 lane underpass, supported by 4+4 lane service roads on either side, ensuring smooth movement for both through traffic and local vehicles.
NHAI’s Bengaluru Project Director, KB Jayakumar, said:
“Sadahalli is the gateway to the city of Bengaluru. We want to make it seamless and aesthetically pleasing.”
UPI Relief for Non-FASTag Users
In parallel with upcoming upgrades, NHAI has introduced a major convenience measure for commuters without FASTag.
Non-FASTag users will now receive a 75% discount on the penalty if they pay toll charges via UPI.
Instead of being charged double the toll for not having a valid FASTag, UPI users will now be charged 1.25 times the toll amount.
NHAI has also installed dynamic QR codes at all toll plazas to support seamless digital payments.
Karnataka’s Busiest Toll Plaza
The Sadahalli stretch hosts the busiest toll plaza in Karnataka, despite its tollable length being only 22.12 km. The plaza generates ₹95 lakh to ₹1 crore in daily revenue, driven by heavy airport traffic. Nearly one lakh vehicles pass through this point every day.
In comparison, another NH-44 toll plaza — with a much longer 72 km tollable stretch toward the Andhra Pradesh border — generates only ₹36 lakh per day, highlighting the intense traffic density at Sadahalli.
Officials note that the plaza mainly serves airport-bound vehicles, with limited freight movement. Most long-haul commercial traffic between Hyderabad and Chennai now prefers the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), reducing truck congestion at Sadahalli.
Despite high volumes, wait times remain moderate. “The infrastructure is adequate for now, but we will evaluate expanding the number of booths once the underpass becomes operational,” an NHAI official said.
Current Toll Rates
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₹120 – Single journey for cars, jeeps, and light motor vehicles
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₹180 – Return journey within the same day
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₹3,970 – Monthly pass for 50 single journeys
A Major Step Toward Seamless Airport Connectivity
With construction set to begin soon, the Sadahalli Underpass will play a crucial role in improving mobility on NH-44, reducing bottlenecks, and creating an uninterrupted travel experience to Bengaluru airport. The upgraded road infrastructure, combined with digital payment enhancements, marks a significant step forward in enhancing commuter convenience and regional connectivity.
Source: Deccan Herald
Also read, The Rise of Sadahalli Next to Prestige Tech Cloud
The upcoming project in Sadahalli is Lodha Sadahalli, a new residential development by the Lodha Group.
