The movement of heavy commercial vehicles on the Ganga Expressway is being significantly affected by traffic design constraints near the NH-9 junction, raising concerns about the corridor's efficiency for freight transport. Transporters have reported that trucks traveling from Delhi and Hapur toward Prayagraj are required to access the expressway via an NH-9 service road and a vehicle underpass (VUP). However, the existing layout presents considerable difficulties for long multi-axle vehicles and oversized cargo carriers.
Infrastructure Challenges
The 12-metre-wide VUP has a limited turning radius, making it extremely challenging for vehicles longer than 15 metres to negotiate the required U-turn. Drivers often have to reverse and maneuver multiple times, leading to significant delays, traffic congestion, and safety risks. Additionally, the underpass has a height restriction of 5.5 metres, which prevents over-dimensional cargo (ODC) vehicles and trucks carrying high loads from passing through. This effectively restricts their access to the expressway, forcing them to seek alternative routes.
Impact on Freight Operations
Transport industry stakeholders have expressed concerns that these constraints are discouraging heavy freight operators. Many are opting for alternative routes that allow smoother movement, thereby undermining the expressway's potential as a major freight corridor. Experts point out that the current arrangement, which includes a 7-metre-wide service road and a 12-metre-wide VUP, may not be adequate to handle existing freight traffic, let alone future growth.
Call for Improvements
Stakeholders are calling for a properly designed grade-separated interchange to ensure seamless movement of heavy vehicles. Such improvements, they argue, would enhance safety, reduce travel time, and encourage wider use of the corridor by commercial transporters. Without these upgrades, the Ganga Expressway risks failing to realize its full freight potential, impacting regional trade and logistics efficiency.
