Toll Charges Now Apply, Ending Free Rides
Starting at midnight on May 14, 2026, Ganga Expressway will officially implement toll charges. After 15 days of free rides, the toll system begins. The 594 km expressway, one of Uttar Pradesh’s longest, will now follow a ‘pay-as-you-go’ method. In other words, drivers will only pay for the distance they travel.
As a result, Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has set the toll rates and displayed them at entry and exit points. This move ensures smoother, quicker travel for all users.
Advanced Toll Collection Technology Used
The expressway will adopt cutting-edge Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology. This system allows vehicles to pass without stopping at entry points. High-tech cameras and sensors will automatically register vehicle entries. However, drivers must still stop at toll booths upon exit. In the future, the toll system will become fully “free-flow,” eliminating any need to stop at all.
Toll Revenue Shared Between Two Companies
Two major companies constructed the Ganga Expressway. IRB Infrastructure Developers Limited built the section from Meerut, handling one-third of the project. The Adani Group built the remaining two-thirds. To ensure fair toll collection, the revenue will be divided between these companies based on their contribution.
Anup Singh, General Manager of IRB Infrastructure, confirmed that passengers will only pay for the actual distance they travel. The toll amounts will automatically be transferred to the relevant company’s account through advanced software.
Expected Toll Rates on Ganga Expressway
While small adjustments to the rates may occur, the following charges are currently expected:
- Cars/Jeep: ₹2.55 per kilometer. Therefore, the full trip from Meerut to Prayagraj, initially estimated at ₹1515, may now cost ₹1800.
- Bus/Truck: ₹8.20 per kilometer. Thus, the total cost for the complete journey could exceed ₹5700.
- Two-Wheelers: Unfortunately, two-wheelers cannot enter the Ganga Expressway. Those who violate this rule will face significant fines.
Number of Toll Plazas and Available Facilities
The Ganga Expressway features a total of 12 toll plazas between Meerut and Prayagraj. Additionally, the first 130 km stretch from Meerut to Badaun has seven tolls and ramp plazas. This arrangement ensures convenient entry and exit points for all passengers.
These changes to the toll system will streamline long-distance travel while adding new costs. As the system becomes fully operational, it will enhance convenience and efficiency for commuters.
