Agra-Bareilly Expressway: A New Route to Boost Tourism and Connectivity
Overview of the Agra-Bareilly Expressway Project
Uttar Pradesh is set to witness several expressway initiatives, including the Agra-Bareilly Expressway. This project aims to enhance tourism and simplify travel for residents. Spanning a distance of 228 kilometers, it promises to significantly reduce travel time.
Currently, the journey from Agra to Bareilly takes approximately five hours. However, with the expressway operational, this duration will be cut down to just two and a half hours. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is overseeing the construction of this four-lane highway from Mathura to Bareilly, with an estimated budget of ₹7,700 crore, divided into four construction packages.
Construction Details and Benefits
The project involves multiple contractors: PNC is managing the Hathras section, while GR Infra Private Limited is responsible for the stretch from Hathras to Kasganj. The segment from Kasganj to Badaun is being developed by Dhariwal Construction Private Limited.
The Agra-Bareilly corridor will feature extensive infrastructure improvements, including 20 flyovers, 26 underpasses, six railway overbridges, and five additional bridges. These enhancements are expected to greatly benefit local communities. Notably, a bridge over the Yamuna River at Brahman Ghat in Mathura has already been completed, with plans for another over the Ganga River at Soron.
Impact on Tourism and Completion Timeline
This corridor is anticipated to facilitate increased tourism to Nainital, making it more accessible for residents of nearby districts. Sanjay Verma, the Project Director for NHAI, indicated that the Mathura-Bareilly corridor is projected to be completed by 2027. Civil works are being carried out by four different contractors across various sections, with the road to Hathras expected to be finished by June. Once completed, the travel time between Agra and Bareilly will be significantly reduced, benefiting numerous districts. The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹7,700 crore, with full completion anticipated within the next two years.
Segment Breakdown of the Corridor
Mathura to Hathras: 66 km
Hathras to Kasganj: 57 km
Kasganj to Badaun: 46 km
Badaun to Bareilly: 59 km