The Bangalore Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), officially designated as NH-948A, is a significant infrastructure project aimed at easing congestion in and around Bengaluru city. It is a 280.8 km long access-controlled expressway developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), connecting 12 satellite towns surrounding the city. This ambitious project forms part of the Bharatmala Pariyojna initiative, which is focused on improving national highways and road connectivity across the country.
The expressway's strategic alignment connects key towns like Dobbasapete, Doddaballapura, Devanahalli, Sulibele, Hoskote, Sarjapura, Attibele, Anekal, Tattekere, Kanakapura, Ramanagara, and Magadi, forming a bypass around Bengaluru. The aim of the STRR is to reduce traffic congestion within the city by diverting heavy vehicles and long-distance commuters around the urban core.
Recent Developments and Inauguration
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first operational section of the Bangalore STRR on March 11, 2024. This 80 km stretch, spanning from Dobaspete to Hoskote, includes two distinct sections: Dobbasapete – Doddaballapur Bypass and Doddaballapur Bypass – Hoskote. These two segments represent packages 1 and 2 of the project, and have already begun to see traffic flow, with toll collection starting in November 2023 for Package 2 and in June 2024 for Package 1.
This inauguration marks a key milestone for the project, as it not only brings relief to commuters but also sets the stage for the larger completion of the entire 280.8 km expressway.
Construction Phases and Alignment
The Bangalore STRR is being constructed in three parallel phases and involves both the development of new road segments and the realignment of existing highways such as NH-648 (formerly NH-207). The project aims to create a 4 to 6-lane expressway that can support high-speed traffic, with a designed speed limit of 100 kmph. The total right of way (RoW) for the expressway is 90 meters, ensuring ample space for future expansion if needed.
The project's Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared by Louis Berger Group Inc. and KITCO, with land acquisition commencing in 2018. A total of 1009.8 hectares of land in Karnataka and 340 hectares in Tamil Nadu are required for the construction of the expressway.
Environmental Considerations
One of the most challenging sections of the STRR passes through the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), a well-known eco-sensitive zone (ESZ). The expressway's alignment in this region runs from Km. 95.525 to Km. 138.000, including an 8.1 km elevated highway that minimizes the impact on the park. The elevated portion is designed with a 28.50m ROW to preserve the natural habitat and reduce ecological disruption.
Strategic Importance
The STRR serves as an integral part of the larger Bangalore–Mangalore Expressway, making the Bengaluru region a hub for long-distance road transport. As a bypass around the rapidly growing metropolitan area, the STRR will divert traffic away from the congested city streets, facilitating faster movement for goods and people. This is particularly important for heavy trucks and commercial vehicles that previously had to navigate through Bengaluru's urban road network, contributing to traffic snarls.
The road will also enhance connectivity to Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, making it more accessible to residents of the surrounding satellite towns and improving the overall infrastructure in the region.
Project Costs and Deadline
The total estimated cost of the Bangalore Satellite Town Ring Road project stands at Rs. 17,000 crore. It is being executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), a public-private partnership model where the government and private entities share the project's financial risk.
The projected completion date for the entire expressway is December 2025. While parts of the project are already operational, there is still significant work to be done on the remaining sections. As of now, the NHAI is making steady progress on the construction, and the project is expected to meet its deadline.
Toll Collection and Revenue Generation
With toll collection already in place for the operational sections of the expressway, the STRR is expected to become a vital revenue generator for the NHAI. The Doddaballapur Bypass – Hoskote section has been collecting tolls since November 2023, while the Dobbaspet – Doddaballapur Bypass section started toll collection in June 2024. These toll revenues will not only contribute to the maintenance of the expressway but also support further expansion and infrastructure development in the region.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the Bangalore STRR is a much-needed solution to Bengaluru's growing traffic woes, the project has faced its fair share of challenges. Land acquisition and environmental clearances have delayed certain sections of the project, and the stretch through Bannerghatta National Park has attracted scrutiny from environmental activists.
However, once fully operational, the STRR is expected to drastically improve road connectivity in the region, reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru, and promote economic development in the surrounding towns. The expressway will also support real estate growth, as better road connectivity often leads to increased investments in residential and commercial projects along the route.
In conclusion, the Bangalore Satellite Town Ring Road is a landmark infrastructure project that will play a crucial role in shaping the future of road transport in the Bengaluru metropolitan region. With the first phase already operational and the remaining phases under construction, the STRR is set to become a key transport corridor by the end of 2025, providing significant benefits to commuters, businesses, and the local economy.
