YEIDA unveils 165-km long Yamuna Expressway widening

In order to accommodate the heavy traffic on the 165-km long Yamuna Expressway, which connects Greater Noida with Agra, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has announced plans to widen the existing expressway from six lanes to eight lanes. The move comes in anticipation of a significant increase in traffic volume on the highway following the launch of the Noida International Airport, scheduled to become operational in 2024. The Yamuna Expressway is a key road connecting the airport to Delhi, Noida, and western Uttar Pradesh. YEIDA has directed Jaypee Infratech Limited (JIL), the toll operator, to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for adding lanes on both sides within a fortnight.

According to the agreement, JIL is obligated to widen the expressway once the daily volume of vehicles reaches 32,000, which it already has. The widening is expected to be completed within one year of DPR approval. The new Noida airport, known as the Jewar airport, is expected to handle 60 million passengers per annum, making it India's largest airport. To further improve connectivity, the National Highways Authority of India is constructing a 31-km long highway from Jewar airport to Sector-65 in Faridabad on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and a new metro service will be launched directly from New Delhi Railway Station to Greater Noida for the convenience of travelers going to the Jewar airport.