In a significant development for transportation infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, the central government has approved the construction of the Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway. The approval, granted by the Union Cabinet on Friday, paves the way for the development of the state's third expressway at an estimated cost of ₹4,263 crore.

The new expressway will significantly reduce travel time between Agra and Gwalior from the current 2.5 to 3 hours to just 1.5 hours. The distance, which is currently 121 kilometers, will be shortened to 88 kilometers once the expressway is completed.

Project Details and Timeline

The six-lane expressway will begin at the Rohita Inner Ring Road and pass through 14 villages in Agra, 30 villages in Rajasthan's Dholpur, and 30 villages in Madhya Pradesh's Morena. It will connect to the existing Gwalior Highway near Susera village in Gwalior.

The expressway project will feature 47 underpasses, four small bridges, and five major bridges, including the largest bridge over the Chambal River. The construction will be carried out in three phases. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is expected to open tenders for the project on August 12, 2024, at its New Delhi office.

Previous Developments and Announcements

The project was first announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in September 2022 during a program in Gwalior. Initially, NHAI released the first set of tenders on January 5, 2024, but the deadline for submissions was extended eight times.

Following the central cabinet's approval, land acquisition will commence. The process will continue until 90 percent of the required land is acquired, after which the work order will be issued.

The expressway is expected to provide a substantial boost to regional connectivity and economic development in the areas it will serve, enhancing travel efficiency and fostering growth along the route.