Purvanchal Expressway 2025: Complete Guide - Toll Rates, Route & Payment
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Purvanchal Expressway Complete Guide
Route: Lucknow (Chand Sarai) to Ghazipur (Haydaria) - 340.8 km
System: 6-lane access-controlled expressway (expandable to 8)
Toll Rate: ₹2.15/km with 25% discount (₹675 full journey for cars)
Special Feature: 3.2 km emergency airstrip at Sultanpur
Inaugurated: November 16, 2021 by PM Narendra Modi
Do I Need FASTag for Purvanchal Expressway? 2025 Update
Yes, FASTag is recommended for seamless travel on Purvanchal Expressway. While cash payment is accepted at all 6 toll plazas, FASTag provides faster transit and is mandatory for most vehicle categories as per NHAI guidelines.
Key Reality: Purvanchal Expressway is eastern UP's economic backbone, connecting 9 districts and reducing Lucknow-Ghazipur travel time from 12 hours to just 5.5 hours.
2025 Update: The new Gorakhpur Link Expressway (completed June 2025) connects directly to Purvanchal Expressway at Azamgarh, further expanding eastern UP connectivity.
Purvanchal Expressway Toll Costs: Current Rates
Purvanchal Expressway operates on distance-based pricing at ₹2.15 per kilometer with a special 25% discount making it one of India's most affordable expressways.
Current Toll Rates (With 25% Discount) - 2025
| Vehicle Type | Full Journey (340.8 km) | Per KM Rate | Original Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car/Jeep/Van | ₹675 | ₹1.98/km | ₹900 (25% off) |
| Light Commercial Vehicle | ₹1,065 | ₹3.13/km | ₹1,420 (25% off) |
| Bus/Truck (2-Axle) | ₹2,145 | ₹6.29/km | ₹2,860 (25% off) |
| Heavy Vehicle (3+ Axles) | ₹3,285 | ₹9.64/km | ₹4,380 (25% off) |
Major Section Costs
| Route Section | Distance | Car Cost | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow to Ayodhya | 130 km | ₹257 | 1.5 hours |
| Ayodhya to Azamgarh | 140 km | ₹277 | 1.5 hours |
| Azamgarh to Ghazipur | 70.8 km | ₹140 | 45 minutes |
| Full Route (Lucknow-Ghazipur) | 340.8 km | ₹675 | 3.5-4 hours |
How to Pay Purvanchal Expressway Tolls
Purvanchal Expressway accepts multiple payment methods across its 6 toll plazas:
1. FASTag (Recommended):
- Automatic toll deduction without stopping
- Works at all 6 toll plazas on the expressway
- Interoperable with 350+ toll plazas across India
- Mandatory for most commercial vehicles
2. Cash Payment:
- Available at manned toll booths
- Longer waiting times during peak hours
- Exact change recommended for faster processing
- Same rates as FASTag (no premium charged)
3. Digital Options:
- Credit/Debit cards at select toll plazas
- UPI payments and mobile wallets
- Expressway Mitra app for navigation and alerts
Route & Districts Connected
Purvanchal Expressway passes through 9 districts, connecting eastern Uttar Pradesh with the state capital and national highway network.
Districts Connected (West to East)
- Lucknow - State capital, starting point at Chand Sarai village
- Barabanki - Important railway junction and commercial center
- Amethi - Agricultural hub with political significance
- Sultanpur - Houses the 3.2 km emergency airstrip
- Ayodhya - Major religious tourism destination
- Ambedkar Nagar - Administrative and educational center
- Azamgarh - Connection point for Gorakhpur Link Expressway
- Mau - Textile and handloom industry hub
- Ghazipur - Eastern terminus connecting to NH-31 (Bihar border)
Unique Features & Infrastructure
Emergency Airstrip
A 3.2 km emergency airstrip is built into the expressway at Akhalkiri Karwat village near Kurebhar in Sultanpur district. This facility can handle military aircraft landings during emergencies or national security situations.
Major Infrastructure
- 22 Flyovers - Grade-separated crossings for uninterrupted flow
- 7 Railway Over Bridges - Crossing major railway lines
- 7 Major Bridges - River crossings including Ganga, Gomti
- 114 Minor Bridges - Local drainage and small river crossings
- 6 Toll Plazas - Electronic and manual toll collection
- 45 Vehicle Underpasses - Local connectivity without disruption
Recent Developments (2025)
Gorakhpur Link Connection:
- 91.35 km Gorakhpur Link Expressway connected at Azamgarh (June 2025)
- Direct connectivity to Gorakhpur district now available
- Reduces Lucknow-Gorakhpur travel time to 3.5 hours
Future Connectivity:
- Buxar-Ghazipur Elevated Road (17 km) under planning
- Direct connection to Bihar's Patna-Arrah region proposed
- 5 industrial corridors planned alongside the expressway
Travel Benefits & Time Savings
Dramatic Time Reductions
- Lucknow to Ghazipur: 12 hours → 4 hours (67% time saving)
- Delhi to Ghazipur: 14 hours → 8 hours (via Agra-Lucknow Expressway)
- Lucknow to Ayodhya: 3 hours → 1.5 hours (50% reduction)
- Gorakhpur to Lucknow: 6 hours → 3.5 hours (via new link)
Economic Impact
- Enhanced connectivity to religious tourism (Ayodhya, Varanasi)
- Improved access to Delhi NCR and Bihar markets
- Boost to agriculture, handloom, and food processing industries
- Real estate development in connected districts
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Purvanchal Expressway special?
It's the longest expressway in UP (340.8 km), features an emergency airstrip for aircraft landings, offers 25% toll discount, and connects 9 districts in eastern UP with significant time savings.
Are motorcycles allowed on Purvanchal Expressway?
No, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and non-motorized vehicles are prohibited for safety reasons. The expressway is designed for four-wheelers and above traveling at high speeds.
What are the speed limits?
Cars can travel up to 100 km/h, while trucks and buses are limited to 80 km/h. AI-based traffic management systems monitor compliance with speed limits.
How much does it cost compared to regular highways?
While you pay ₹675 toll for the full journey by car, you save 8+ hours of travel time and significant fuel costs compared to using free but slower national highways.
Useful Links & Resources
Related Expressways:
- Uttar Pradesh Toll Roads - Complete UP expressway network
- Agra-Lucknow Expressway - Connecting route to Delhi NCR
- India Toll - National toll road information
Emergency Contacts:
- UPEIDA Helpline: 1800-419-0139
- Emergency Services: 112
- Expressway Patrol: Available every 25 km
