The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is set to take on a Rs 270 crore project to build an interchange that will link the Yamuna Expressway with the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), marking a significant development for the thousands of commuters travelling between key destinations in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has recently approved the project, which has been delayed for years due to various land-related issues and administrative hurdles. The interchange will consist of a cloverleaf loop a system of curved, one-way ramps that facilitates smooth movement of traffic between intersecting highways without disrupting the flow. This design will significantly improve the connectivity between two vital expressways, which serve as the primary routes for long-distance travel in and out of the NCR. The long-awaited interchange will be developed on a 57-hectare plot of land. A major portion of the land, around 22 hectares, has already been allocated by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), with the remaining area acquired from Jaypee Infratech Limited (JIL). These acquisitions pave the way for the project to commence after a series of bureaucratic delays.
This interchange is crucial as it will not only improve traffic flow between the two expressways but also provide seamless access to the upcoming Noida International Greenfield Airport at Jewar. Connecting this new airport to the expressways, the interchange will allow easier access for passengers travelling between Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and the airport. The decision to build the interchange was taken after extensive deliberations with the state government and the NHAI. Previously, YEIDA was tasked with the responsibility of constructing the interchange. However, due to challenges with land acquisition and contractor selection, the responsibility was transferred to the NHAI, with the state’s approval. According to experts, the loop will reduce traffic congestion for commuters from Noida, Greater Noida, and Delhi, who currently face significant delays as they navigate the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, particularly near congested areas like Kasna and Ghangola.
This new project also addresses longstanding concerns about the inadequacy of infrastructure on the existing routes, especially as traffic volume has risen in recent years. The lack of a proper interchange at the intersection of the Yamuna Expressway and the EPE meant that motorists had to navigate through densely populated villages. This situation not only led to delays but also added to the environmental toll of road transport due to higher fuel consumption caused by traffic jams. The construction of this interchange is expected to enhance the flow of traffic for approximately 165 km along both expressways. With smoother access and less time spent on the road, experts believe that the project will significantly reduce carbon emissions in the region, contributing to the state’s goals of creating a greener, more sustainable transport network.
The NHAI will fund the Rs 270 crore for the construction of the interchange, while YEIDA will focus on the development of the entry and exit points to the interchange, ensuring it connects both expressways efficiently. The EPE, which crosses the Yamuna Expressway near prominent locations like Noida International University and the Galgotias University campus, will be aligned with the new loop to ensure a seamless transition between the roads. Once completed, this interchange will bring much-needed relief to the thousands of daily commuters who rely on the Yamuna Expressway and EPE for their long-distance travels. With work set to begin soon, it is anticipated that the project will alleviate traffic bottlenecks and improve the overall driving experience for NCR residents. In the future, the project will also boost regional economic growth by improving access to industrial hubs and commercial sectors along the expressways.
However, the project will also need to address concerns about the impact on local communities and the environment during construction. With large-scale infrastructural projects often coming with environmental and social challenges, experts have called for the implementation of sustainable construction practices to minimise the ecological footprint. The Rs 270 crore interchange project is a significant step towards addressing the growing traffic congestion in NCR while improving connectivity to key areas such as the Noida International Airport.
Once completed, it will not only ease the daily commute for thousands but also foster greater economic integration within the region. While the project’s launch is still months away, it is expected to have long-term benefits for traffic management, environmental sustainability, and regional development.
NHAI to Start Rs 270 Crore Project for Smooth Traffic Flow on Yamuna Expressway
