Big Win for Delhi-Agra Travelers: New EPE-Yamuna Expressway Interchange to Cut Travel Time – Here’s How!
In a significant development for commuters between Delhi and Agra, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has approved the construction of a cloverleaf interchange connecting the Yamuna Expressway with the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE). This new link, expected to bring immense relief to travelers, will shorten the journey and reduce traffic congestion for those traveling across various regions in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-NCR.
Key Benefits of the New Interchange
The interchange, located near Jaganpur-Afzalpur, will be just 10 km from the zero point of the Yamuna Expressway. Once completed, this crucial connection will benefit commuters traveling from cities such as Ghaziabad, Meerut, Saharanpur, and nearby areas, providing a direct route to the upcoming Jewar Airport. The link will also make it easier for residents of Agra, Mathura, Hathras, and Firozabad to access Ghaziabad and Meerut without having to detour through Greater Noida.
The interchange will significantly shorten the distance between Delhi and Agra, which previously required an additional 15 to 20 km detour. As a result, commuters will enjoy faster travel times and a reduction in traffic congestion on the Yamuna Expressway. The new connection will also provide direct access to the Noida International Airport, making travel between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh much more efficient.
Design and Features of the Interchange
The approved design of the interchange includes eight loops, with four designated for climbing and four for descending. Spanning over 6.6 km, this intricate system will ensure smooth and uninterrupted traffic flow between the two expressways. Commuters traveling between Delhi, Noida, and Agra will benefit from reduced bottlenecks and improved connectivity.
Challenges and Progress
The project initially faced a delay due to budget escalations, with construction coming to a halt in 2023. The initial budget was estimated at ₹122 crore, but complications arose when ₹22 crore was allocated solely for soil procurement, halting the work. However, with financial issues now resolved and government approvals secured, the construction is set to resume soon.
The project is being funded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), while YEIDA is overseeing the construction. According to Arunvir Singh, CEO of YEIDA, the interchange is expected to be completed by next year.
Once finished, this interchange will revolutionize travel for thousands of daily commuters, offering a smoother, more efficient route across the region and reducing travel times for those heading to and from key destinations like Agra, Meerut, and the Jewar Airport.
