Ganga Expressway 2025: Complete Guide - Construction Status, Toll Rates & Route
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Ganga Expressway Complete Guide
Route: Meerut (Bijauli) to Prayagraj (Judapur Dandu) - 594 km
System: 6-lane access-controlled expressway (expandable to 8)
Status: Under construction - 84% complete (June 2025)
Expected Opening: Late 2025 (before Kumbh Mela)
Special Feature: 3.5 km emergency airstrip for IAF operations
Total Cost: ₹37,350 crores
When Will Ganga Expressway Open? 2025 Update
The Ganga Expressway is expected to open by late 2025, with construction currently 84% complete as of June 2025. UPEIDA is fast-tracking completion to have it operational before the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Key Reality: This will be UP's longest expressway at 594 km, connecting western UP (Meerut) with eastern UP (Prayagraj) and reducing travel time from current 12+ hours to just 8 hours.
2025 Update: Construction includes a unique 3.5 km emergency airstrip for Indian Air Force operations, successfully tested with Su-30MKI and other aircraft in May 2025.
Expected Toll Rates: FY 2025-26
UPEIDA has pre-fixed toll rates for Ganga Expressway aligned with the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for FY 2025-26.
Projected Toll Rates (2025-26)
| Vehicle Category | Rate per KM | Full Journey (594 km) | Example Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars/Jeeps/Vans | ₹2.55/km | ₹1,515 | Meerut to Prayagraj full route |
| Light Commercial Vehicles | ₹4.25/km | ₹2,525 | Hapur to Hardoi section |
| Trucks (Standard) | ₹8.15/km | ₹4,841 | Commercial freight routes |
| Oversized Trucks | ₹16.05/km | ₹9,534 | Heavy cargo transportation |
Major Section Costs (Projected)
| Route Section | Distance | Car Cost | Key Cities Connected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meerut to Bulandshahr | 85 km | ₹217 | Industrial corridor |
| Bulandshahr to Shahjahanpur | 200 km | ₹510 | Airstrip location |
| Shahjahanpur to Hardoi | 150 km | ₹383 | Central UP connection |
| Hardoi to Prayagraj | 159 km | ₹405 | Kumbh Mela destination |
Construction Progress & Route Details
Current Construction Status (June 2025)
| Construction Component | Progress Completed | Status | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earthwork | 99% | Nearly Complete | Base foundation ready |
| Granular Sub Base (GSB) | 95% | Advanced Stage | Road layer construction |
| Wet Mix Macadam (WMM) | 94% | Advanced Stage | Road strengthening layer |
| Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) | 92% | Advanced Stage | Surface preparation |
| Structures (Bridges/Flyovers) | 1,476/1,500 | 98% Complete | Major Ganga bridge finished |
| Overall Progress | 84% | Final Phase | Toll plaza setup remaining |
Districts Connected (West to East)
- Meerut: Starting point at Bijauli village, industrial hub
- Hapur: Connection to Delhi-Meerut corridor
- Bulandshahr: Major agricultural and industrial center
- Amroha: Historic city with commercial importance
- Sambhal: Traditional handicrafts center
- Badaun: Agricultural trading hub
- Shahjahanpur: Location of 3.5 km IAF emergency airstrip
- Hardoi: Central UP connectivity point
- Unnao: Industrial development zone
- Rae Bareli: Political and administrative center
- Pratapgarh: Historical significance, tourism potential
- Prayagraj: Ending point at Judapur Dandu, Kumbh Mela venue
Special Features & Infrastructure
Emergency Landing Facility (IAF Airstrip)
A unique 3.5 km emergency airstrip has been constructed near Shahjahanpur for Indian Air Force operations. Successfully tested in May 2025 with multiple aircraft including Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Jaguar fighters, C-130J transport aircraft, and Mi-17 helicopters.
Major Infrastructure Components
- 12-lane Ganga Bridge: 960-meter bridge with 16 pillars connecting both banks
- Toll Plazas: 2 main toll plazas at Meerut and Prayagraj + 12 ramp toll plazas
- Service Roads: 3.75m service roads for local village traffic
- Rest Areas: 9 amenity complexes with food courts and facilities
- Flyovers & Underpasses: 8 road over bridges, 8 flyovers, 26+ underpasses
- Industrial Corridors: Planned along the route for economic development
Travel Benefits & Connectivity
Dramatic Time Savings
- Meerut to Prayagraj: 12+ hours → 8 hours (33% time saving)
- Delhi to Prayagraj: 10 hours → 7 hours (via Delhi-Meerut + Ganga)
- Maximum Speed: 120 km/h for cars, enabling faster travel
- Fuel Efficiency: 30-40% fuel savings due to smooth traffic flow
Economic & Tourism Impact
- Kumbh Mela Access: Enhanced connectivity for 2025 Kumbh in Prayagraj
- Industrial Development: Planned industrial corridors along the route
- Agricultural Markets: Better access for farmers to urban markets
- Tourism Boost: Improved access to Ganges river heritage sites
- Real Estate Growth: Property development along the corridor
Payment & Technology Features
Toll Payment Methods (Expected)
- FASTag Mandatory: Electronic toll collection for all vehicles
- Digital Payments: UPI, credit/debit cards at toll plazas
- Cash Backup: Limited cash lanes for emergency use
- Mobile Integration: Smartphone apps for toll management
Safety & Monitoring Systems
- CCTV Surveillance: 24/7 monitoring along entire route
- Emergency Services: Patrol vehicles and ambulance services
- Weather Monitoring: Advanced systems for monsoon and fog alerts
- Speed Detection: Automated speed enforcement cameras
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Ganga Expressway be fully operational?
Expected by late 2025, with UPEIDA targeting completion before the Kumbh Mela. Current progress is 84% complete as of June 2025, with final toll plaza setup and signage work remaining.
Will two-wheelers be allowed?
No, like all UP expressways, two-wheelers and three-wheelers will be prohibited for safety reasons. Only four-wheelers and above will be permitted.
How much will it cost to travel the full route?
For cars, approximately ₹1,515 for the full 594 km journey from Meerut to Prayagraj, based on the pre-fixed rate of ₹2.55 per kilometer for FY 2025-26.
What makes this expressway special?
It will be UP's longest expressway, features a 3.5 km IAF emergency airstrip, connects 12 major districts, and includes a massive 12-lane bridge over the Ganga river. It's designed to handle speeds up to 120 km/h.
Useful Links & Resources
Related Information:
- Uttar Pradesh Toll Roads - Complete UP expressway network
- India Toll - National toll road information
Official Contacts:
- UPEIDA Helpline: 14449 (toll-free, 24/7)
- UPEIDA Website: upeida.up.gov.in
- Project Enquiries: Available through official channels
