Ganga Expressway : Construction of the 594-kilometer-long Ganga Expressway has now been completed, and it is ready for inauguration. The Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has indicated that its formal inauguration could take place between March 25 and March 31. The state government is contacting the Prime Minister's Office to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the event. Built at a cost of crores of rupees, this expressway connects Meerut to Prayagraj. Let's learn about its route map, toll charges, and other features...
The Expressway May Fully Open from April 1, 2026
According to officials, trial runs and testing of the toll system have already been completed. Now, preparations are underway to fully open the expressway to vehicular traffic and commence toll operations from April 1, 2026. This date was chosen because it marks the beginning of the new financial year 2026-27, which will help increase revenue.
Complete Route Map of the Ganga Expressway
Starting near Bijauli village in Meerut and ending at Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj, the Ganga Expressway connects eastern and western Uttar Pradesh with a direct, high-speed route. The expressway passes through 12 districts, including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj. Its opening is expected to accelerate development across the region.
How much could the toll charge be?
Opening the expressway will significantly reduce travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj. Currently, the journey takes approximately 12 hours, but once the Ganga Expressway is completed, the distance will be covered in just 6 to 7 hours. Although toll rates have not yet been officially announced, reports suggest that cars may be charged approximately ₹2.55 per kilometer. A one-way trip will cost approximately ₹1,515. Small commercial vehicles may be charged up to ₹2,405, while buses and trucks may incur a toll of up to ₹4,840.
Emergency Landing Strip Constructed
A 3.5-kilometer-long airstrip has also been constructed on the expressway in Shahjahanpur, which can be used by Indian Air Force aircraft for emergency takeoffs and landings. Last year, several Air Force aircraft, including the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, C-130J Super Hercules, AN-32, and MI-17 V5 helicopters, conducted 'land and go' drills on this strip. The unique feature of this expressway is that fighter aircraft can land here both day and night. No other airstrip in the country has this capability. Previously, the Air Force had conducted emergency landing drills on the Lucknow-Agra and Purvanchal Expressways, but these were limited to daytime hours.
Safety is also given:
CCTV cameras have been installed every kilometer along the expressway to continuously monitor the route and ensure the safety of passengers. All these cameras will be connected to a control room at the toll plaza, allowing immediate action in case of any emergency. Additionally, signboards with emergency contact numbers will be installed at various locations along the highway, allowing people to seek immediate assistance if needed.
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