Agra is set to become a pivotal hub in India’s expanding highway network with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announcing the development of two new six-lane expressways. These modern roadways, originating from Agra, will connect to Gwalior and Aligarh respectively, and are notably designed to be “EV-ready.” This initiative aims to significantly improve travel speed, enhance regional infrastructure, and provide a substantial boost to the adoption of electric vehicles across the country, marking a forward-thinking approach to national connectivity.
With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, NHAI is strategically creating an EV-friendly highway infrastructure. Building on successful implementations like the Lucknow Expressway, these new expressways will feature dedicated EV charging stations, with each point capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously within 15 to 20 minutes. Additionally, the routes will be equipped with one to two petrol and CNG pumps on each side, along with dedicated food plazas offering diverse meal options and separate toilet facilities. The 88-kilometer Gwalior-Rohta, Agra expressway, an ambitious project costing ₹4,200 crore, will notably include a hanging bridge over the Chambal River. Construction is slated to commence in October 2025, with completion anticipated in 24 months.
Once the Gwalior expressway is completed, travel time between Agra and Gwalior will be drastically cut to just 90 minutes from the current 2-2.5 hours. This route will also seamlessly link with Agra’s inner ring road, enhancing access to vital corridors such as the Yamuna Expressway, Lucknow Expressway, and NH-19. Concurrently, the 64-kilometer expressway connecting Khandauli to Aligarh, with a budget of ₹3,400 crore, will also begin phased construction in October. This Aligarh route is designed to connect smoothly to the Yamuna Expressway, significantly improving accessibility to both Aligarh and Hathras. The initial construction phase will focus on widening the section from Khandauli to Teedi Bagiya Chauraha, and a new elevated road will be built to link Teedi Bagiya to Rambagh Chauraha, aiming to reduce congestion and streamline traffic flow.
Agra’s strategic position as the origin point for these expressways will significantly bolster regional connectivity and economic activity. By integrating essential facilities for both traditional and electric vehicles, NHAI is not only enhancing travel efficiency but also actively supporting India’s transition to sustainable transportation. This development positions Agra as a critical junction in the country’s modern infrastructure, promising smoother, faster, and more environmentally conscious journeys across the region and beyond.
