Ganga Expressway Opening Date Nears: FASTag Toll Trials Successfully Completed
The much-anticipated Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant step toward its opening with the successful completion of FASTag toll trials. Developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), this expressway is poised to become the longest in the state, marking a major milestone in regional infrastructure development.
Construction Progress and Official Timeline
Earlier this month, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to ensure the construction of the Ganga Expressway is completed by the end of February 2026. According to UPEIDA, approximately 95 percent of the work has already been finished, including all 1,498 structures along the route. With these advancements, the expressway is expected to open to the public as early as next month.
Route and Connectivity Enhancements
Spanning an impressive 594 kilometers, the six-lane, access-controlled Ganga Expressway stretches from Meerut to Prayagraj. It will pass through 12 districts, including:
- Meerut
- Hapur
- Bulandshahr
- Amroha
- Sambhal
- Budaun
- Shahjahanpur
- Hardoi
- Unnao
- RaeBareli
- Pratapgarh
- Prayagraj
This extensive route is designed to enhance east-west connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, significantly reducing travel time from nearly 12 hours to just 6-8 hours.
Key Features and Economic Impact
Built at a cost of over Rs 36,000 crore, the Ganga Expressway starts from Bijoli village in Meerut district and terminates at Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj district. The expressway will operate as a fully access-controlled, closed toll system, facilitating all-weather high-speed travel and decongesting existing road networks.
Notable features include:
- A 3.5-kilometer-long airstrip in Shahjahanpur to support emergency take-off and landing of Indian Air Force aircraft, equipped with nearly 250 cameras for surveillance.
- Direct high-speed connectivity from the National Capital Region, substantially decreasing travel time for both goods and people.
- Expected boosts to multiple sectors, including industrial development, trade, agriculture, and tourism, strengthening Uttar Pradesh's economy.
Current Status and Future Prospects
With the FASTag toll trials now complete, the Ganga Expressway is on track to transform everyday travel and logistics in the region. The project aligns with broader efforts to improve infrastructure and connectivity, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a key player in India's economic growth. As the opening date approaches, residents and businesses alike await the enhanced mobility and opportunities this expressway will bring.
