Ganga Expressway: 594-km Meerut-Prayagraj Corridor Toll Free Till May 13

The Uttar Pradesh Government has announced a 15-day toll-free period for commuters on the newly inaugurated Ganga Expressway, offering free access across the entire 594-km stretch connecting Meerut to Prayagraj. The move has been introduced to encourage public usage of the high-speed corridor and allow travellers to experience the infrastructure before toll collection officially begins. The expressway was inaugurated on April 29, 2026, in Hardoi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to officials, the free travel window will remain in effect for the first 15 days of operation, which is expected to continue until around May 13, 2026. During this period, vehicles of all categories will be able to use the expressway without paying any charges. The government aims to familiarise commuters with the new route and promote its use as a faster alternative to existing highways in the region.

Once the free period ends, toll charges will be applicable across the expressway, which has been divided into four major sections: Meerut to Badaun, Badaun to Hardoi, Hardoi to Unnao, and Unnao to Prayagraj. For a full journey by car or jeep from Meerut to Prayagraj, the estimated toll cost is expected to be around Rs 1,800. The structure ensures charges are collected segment-wise depending on distance travelled.

Also Read: PM Modi Launches Ganga Expressway, Visits Kashi Vishwanath Temple In Varanasi

For heavier vehicles, the toll rates will be significantly higher. Buses and trucks are expected to pay over Rs 5,700 for a full trip, while multi-axle vehicles may be charged close to Rs 9,000. Oversized trucks could incur costs exceeding Rs 11,000 per journey, depending on classification and load type. Authorities have stated that the pricing structure is designed in line with expressway usage norms and maintenance requirements.

The Ganga Expressway has been developed under the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model as a public-private partnership project involving IRB Infrastructure and Adani Infrastructure. While the concessionaires have rights to collect tolls for 27 years, the state government will compensate them for revenue losses incurred during the initial 15-day free travel period. Officials also confirmed that operations, including highway patrol, emergency services, and rescue systems, will continue uninterrupted during this phase.

The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) stated that the decision to allow toll-free travel aligns with the government’s goal of promoting public adoption of the new corridor. The expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between western and eastern Uttar Pradesh while enhancing connectivity and economic activity along its route.

Also Read: 594-km Ganga Expressway Inaugurated, Travel Time Drops to 6 Hours