The construction of the third greenfield expressway, which will bring development and connectivity revolution in the Gwalior region, is set to begin at the end of October. This project will directly connect Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, and once completed, the travel distance between Agra and Gwalior will be reduced significantly in terms of hours.
88 km Long six-lane Expressway
The greenfield expressway, to be built under the supervision of NHAI (National Highways Authority of India), will be 88 kilometres long and will have six lanes. GR Infraprojects has been awarded the responsibility of construction. The total estimated cost of the project is ₹4,613 crore, with a target to complete it within two years. Currently, most of the land acquisition work has been completed.
Agra to Gwalior in Just one and a Half Hours
At present, it takes around two and a half hours to travel from Agra to Gwalior, but once the expressway is operational, the journey will be completed in just about one to one and a half hours. The route will start from Rohata (Agra), pass through Dholpur and Morena, and reach Sussera in Gwalior.
Four Industrial Zones to be Developed
The project will also boost regional development and employment. Four industrial zones will be developed around the expressway. Work to identify these zones is currently underway. These zones will be directly connected through service roads, ensuring smooth operation of factories and traffic. Experts believe these zones will generate thousands of jobs and directly benefit the industrial sector of all three states.
Environmental initiatives and plantation
To maintain ecological balance, 1.24 lakh saplings will be planted under the project. The agency will also take responsibility for its maintenance to ensure the expansion of green cover. Additionally, a magnificent 1,600-meter-long hanging bridge will be constructed on the Chambal River. The survey of the bridge is ongoing, and once built, it will be considered an engineering marvel.
Aligarh-Agra Expressway to also Commence
Meanwhile, the 65-km-long greenfield expressway connecting Aligarh to Agra via Khandauli will also begin in October. This six-lane road will be built at a cost of ₹3,200 crore, with a completion target of two years. Currently, it takes more than two and a half hours to cover the distance from Aligarh to Agra, but once completed, the journey will take only about one to one and a half hours.
Work to begin after Supreme Court Approval
Special emphasis is also being placed on environmental measures before starting construction of the Aligarh-Agra expressway. For its construction, 136 trees are to be cut. The National Highway Authority and the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) have inspected and marked these trees. After Supreme Court approval, ten times the number of trees cut will be replanted. Land for plantation has already been identified in Fatehabad. After inspection, CEC will submit its report to the Supreme Court. Once approval is granted, two construction companies will begin work simultaneously from the Aligarh and Agra sides.
A New Chapter in Regional Development
These two expressway projects will not only save travel time but also significantly increase industrial and employment activities. The network connecting historical cities like Gwalior, Agra, and Aligarh will become the new foundation of industrial and economic growth in North India in the coming years.
