Lucknow. Giving great relief to the public, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided to keep Ganga Expressway toll free for 15 days from the Commercial Operation Date (COD). After this decision, people will be able to travel on the longest and modern expressway of Uttar Pradesh without any fee.

Following the instructions of the Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEDA) took immediate action and issued orders to the concessionaires IRB Infrastructure and Adani Infrastructure associated with the project to stop toll collection for 15 days. According to the order of UPEDA, no toll fee will be charged from the passengers during this period.

Ganga Expressway COD: Decision effective as soon as commercial operation date is implemented

This decision was implemented when the Provisional Certificate was issued by the Independent Engineer under Article 14.3.1 of the Concession Agreement. With this, the commercial operation date of Ganga Expressway was fixed and the expressway was considered completely ready for the use of common people. The government believes that with this decision, more and more people will be able to take advantage of the expressway's modern facilities and better travel experience in the initial days.

Toll Free Ride Experience: Public will get free travel experience

Yogi government wants that the people of the state can closely experience the quality, fast speed and modern facilities of this 594 km long expressway. By traveling without toll, people will be able to experience better connectivity, safe travel and modern infrastructure of the expressway. The government hopes that this will also boost tourism and people's confidence in this project will be further strengthened.

PPP Model Ganga Expressway: Expressway prepared on PPP model

Ganga Expressway has been constructed on DBFOT (toll) model under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. According to this arrangement, concessionaires have been given the right to collect toll for 27 years. However, the loss incurred due to 15 days of toll exemption will be compensated by the state government or UPEDA as per the terms of the concession agreement.

UPEIDA Guidelines: Strict monitoring on maintenance and safety

UPEDA has made it clear that even during the toll free period, all the standards related to operation and maintenance of the expressway will be strictly followed. There will be no deterioration in road quality, security arrangements, traffic management and passenger facilities. It will be mandatory to follow all the rules including Article 17 of the Concession Agreement.

UP Development News: Connectivity will increase from Meerut to Prayagraj

The 594 km long Ganga Expressway, stretching from Meerut to Prayagraj, connects 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh. It is being considered a very important project for the economy and development of the state. The facility of toll free travel for 15 days will provide relief to the common people and will create a positive atmosphere towards the expressway. This decision of the government is being considered as a step to strengthen the 'Public Interest First' policy.