🛣️Under ConstructionSouth India

Chennai–Salem Expressway

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) to Salem (Tamil Nadu)277 km · 4 lanes (expandable to 8)

A 277 km greenfield expressway connecting Chennai to Salem in Tamil Nadu. It will significantly reduce travel time and improve connectivity to the western part of Tamil Nadu and to Coimbatore and Bengaluru.

277

Kilometres

4

Lanes

120 km/h

Speed Limit

1

State

Chennai-Salem Expressway Route Map

Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tindivanam, Ulundurpet, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Salem

Chennai-Salem Expressway Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

End Point (Terminus)

Salem (Tamil Nadu)

States & Union Territories

Tamil Nadu

Major Cities & Towns

ChennaiKanchipuramTindivanamUlundurpetVillupuramSalem

Key Features

  • Greenfield access-controlled expressway in Tamil Nadu
  • Reduces Chennai-Salem travel time from 6 hours to 2.5 hours
  • Gateway to western Tamil Nadu from Chennai
  • Connects to Salem-Coimbatore corridor

Project Details

NameChennai–Salem Expressway
Total Length277 km
Lanes4 lanes (expandable to 8)
Speed Limit120 km/h
StatusUnder Construction
Operator / DeveloperNational Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
Expected Completion2027
Project CostRs 10,000 Crore
RegionSouth India

Safety Tips for Driving on the Chennai-Salem Expressway

  • ⚠️Strictly follow the speed limit of 120 km/h. Overspeeding on expressways attracts heavy fines.
  • ⚠️Always wear seatbelts. Rear-seat passengers must also buckle up on expressways.
  • ⚠️Do not stop on the main carriageway. Use designated rest areas and parking zones.
  • ⚠️Maintain lane discipline — use the right lane only for overtaking.
  • ⚠️Keep a safe following distance of at least 3 seconds at expressway speeds.
  • ⚠️Use headlights even during daytime as per expressway rules.
  • ⚠️In case of breakdown, move to the shoulder immediately and use hazard lights.
  • ⚠️In an emergency, call 112 (Unified Emergency) or 1033 (Highway Helpline).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total length of the Chennai-Salem Expressway?
The Chennai-Salem Expressway has a total length of 277 km. It connects Chennai (Tamil Nadu) to Salem (Tamil Nadu).
What is the current status of the Chennai-Salem Expressway?
The Chennai-Salem Expressway is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2027.
Which states does the Chennai-Salem Expressway pass through?
The Chennai-Salem Expressway passes through Tamil Nadu.
What is the speed limit on the Chennai-Salem Expressway?
The speed limit on the Chennai-Salem Expressway is 120 km/h.
How many lanes does the Chennai-Salem Expressway have?
The Chennai-Salem Expressway has 4 lanes (expandable to 8).
What is the cost of the Chennai-Salem Expressway project?
The Chennai-Salem Expressway project has an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore.
What are the major cities connected by the Chennai-Salem Expressway?
The major cities and towns along the Chennai-Salem Expressway include Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tindivanam, Ulundurpet, Villupuram, Salem.
Who is the operator of the Chennai-Salem Expressway?
The Chennai-Salem Expressway is operated/developed by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
What are the key features of the Chennai-Salem Expressway?
Key features of the Chennai-Salem Expressway include: Greenfield access-controlled expressway in Tamil Nadu; Reduces Chennai-Salem travel time from 6 hours to 2.5 hours; Gateway to western Tamil Nadu from Chennai; Connects to Salem-Coimbatore corridor.

Planning a Trip on the Chennai-Salem Expressway?

Check out our road safety guides and expressway speed limits.

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