India’s longest, 165 km highway, Yamuna Expressway was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav on August 9, 2012 via video conference from the state capital Lucknow. The project of Yamuna Expressway, which happens to be a six-lane access-controlled road, was conceptualized in 2003 and took nine years to complete. The colossal project designed and constructed by Jaypee Group is built at cost of Rs. 12,839 crore and is cogent at cutting down the time incurred in travelling between the New Delhi and Agra to not less than two and a half hours. As a goodwill gesture, Jaypee Group announced a six day free ride on the newly made highway, which will end on August 15, 2012.
The tolled freeway, which connects the industrial hot spots of Agra and Noida, will reduce the congestion on National Highway 2. Jaypee has decided a fixed toll tax of Rs. 320 and Rs. 150 from cars and two wheelers, respectively, for a one way trip. Since the new roadway has emerged as a boon, a large number of commuters will use the same at regular intervals. The travellers who will go through the route for round trips in 24 hours will be provided with a 20 per cent discount on each trip.
The toll tax levied has been segregated at Rs. 2.10 per km and is levied at three different junctures on the free way, which are placed at 38 km, 98 km and 150 km from the Greater Noida. The points cover three separate stretches, Greater Noida to Aligarh, Aligarh to Mathura and Mathura to Agra. Stipulated upper speed limit fixed at the Yamuna Expressway is 100 kmph for cars and 60 kmph for heavy vehicles. It must be noted that the Yamuna Expressway also has a lower speed limit.
Considering the tourism perspective, New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur forms a golden triangle and all the three happens to be most sought after tourist destinations in the country. The Yamuna Expressway is bound to influence the commuters with its travel time reduction USP between New Delhi and Agra to almost half. Also the expressway acts as a bridge between New Delhi and Mathura with the latter being a place of immense importance to Indians and attracts a large number of devotees. Jaypee Group estimates around fifteen thousand PCU (Passenger Car Equivalents) daily and later a gradual growth in traffic.
Jaypee Group has also handed the project of developing five integrated townships each at Noida, Jaganpur, Mirzapur, Tappal near Aligarh and Kuber near Agra. These independent townships will encompass five hundred hectares of land. All along the expressway, the engineers have ensured world-class safety standards for the commuters. SOS booths have been installed all across the route and a toll free helpline is also provided to the travellers.
At a distance of every 5 km, a CCTV camera has been installed for safety and accident assistance feature. The mobile radars monitor the maximum and minimum speed regulations and highway patrol has been also placed at every 25 km. Yamuna Expressway promises a fun filled yet safe ride and endorses a spirited weekend getaway.
