Ganga Expressway To Inaugurate Today: Route, Toll Rates, Key Features Explained
The new six-lane access-controlled corridor, which is also expandable to right lanes, will link Meerut to Prayagraj across 12 districts.
Noida: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday will inaugurate the 594-kum Ganga Expressway, which is one of the Uttar Pradesh's longest expressways and also one of India's biggest greenfield road projects. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also attend the event. With the opening of the expressway, travel from Meerut to Prayagraj will become faster and easier than ever before.
What about the facilities?
The new six-lane access-controlled corridor, which is also expandable to right lanes, will link Meerut to Prayagraj across 12 districts.
The travel time will be cut from 10-12 hours to 6-8 hours between Meerut and Prayagraj. This high-speed expressway has a design speed of 120 km per hour.
The corridor runs through Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj.
How much will the toll cost?
Tolls on the Ganga Expressway are charged based on distance traveled. According to the current rates, the tolls for different vehicles are as follows:
- For two-wheelers, three-wheelers and tractors – Rs 1.28 per km
- For cars, jeeps, vans (light vehicles): Rs 2.55 per km
- For light commercial vehicle/mini bus – Rs 4.05 per km
- For buses and trucks (heavy vehicles) – Rs 8.20 per km
- For heavy machinery/multi axle vehicles (3-6 axles) – Rs 12.60 per km
- For vehicles with 7 or more axles – Rs 16.10 per km
The toll for travelling by car from Prayagraj to Meerut is estimated to be around Rs 1,515. Apart from this, small commercial vehicles will have to pay toll of around Rs 2,405, while buses and trucks will have to pay toll of around Rs 4,840.
According to reports, these rates have been set to account for the expressway's operation and maintenance. They may change in the future based on inflation.
Will FASTag work?
A 'closed toll system' has been implemented on this expressway. Vehicles will not have to stop to pay tolls on the expressway. FASTag and high-sensor camera technology have been used here.
The toll will be automatically deducted from the FASTag installed on the vehicle.
AI based high-sensor cameras will record entry and exit. There will be no need to stop at the toll plaza (unless there is a technical problem). This will reduce traffic jams and the journey will be smooth.
When will PM Modi inaugurate the expressway?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Hardoi at 11:15 am and will remain present until 12:55 pm. During this time, he will inaugurate the expressway, inspect an exhibition, plant trees, and participate in a public meeting. Once the expressway is operational, the journey from Meerut to Prayagraj will be completed in just 6-7 hours. This will not only save people time but also reduce freight transportation and benefit businesses.
