Ganga Expressway Traffic Drops Sharply After Toll Collection Begins

Vehicle movement on the Ganga Expressway has witnessed a major decline after toll collection officially started on May 15. The expressway, which passes through the Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh, had seen a steady rise in vehicle movement during the free travel period. However, once toll charges were introduced, traffic at several toll plazas dropped by nearly 50 per cent.

According to local reports, commuters who had been frequently using the expressway during the toll-free phase are now reconsidering their travel plans due to the added cost. Cars are now being charged ₹2.55 per kilometre, while heavy commercial vehicles must pay ₹8.20 per kilometre to use the high-speed corridor.

Toll Rates on Ganga Expressway

The newly implemented toll structure is expected to generate revenue for maintenance and future development of the expressway infrastructure. Here are the current charges:

• Cars and light vehicles: ₹2.55 per kilometre
• Heavy vehicles and trucks: ₹8.20 per kilometre

For long-distance travellers, the total toll amount can become significant, especially for commercial transport operators who use the route regularly.

Vehicle Numbers Fall at Major Toll Plazas

Officials monitoring traffic flow have noticed a sharp decline in the number of vehicles at several toll points across the district.

• Daharpur Toll Plaza:
  Earlier, around 50 to 60 vehicles crossed daily. After toll implementation, the number has fallen to nearly 28 to 30 vehicles per day.
• Vankota Toll Plaza:
  Traffic has reduced from 30 to 40 vehicles daily to only 15 to 16 vehicles.
• Ghatpuri Toll Plaza:
  Located on the busy Bareilly-Mathura highway, this toll plaza continues to witness comparatively higher traffic. Even after toll collection began, more than 1,500 vehicles are still passing through the route regularly.

Why Are Vehicles Avoiding the Expressway?

Local commuters believe that many travellers are shifting back to alternative highways and local roads to avoid paying toll charges. During the toll-free period, the expressway had become a preferred route because of its smooth roads, reduced travel time, and zero travel cost.

Now that toll collection has started, on-travellers prioritising speed, comfort, and fuel savings are continuing to use the expressway regularly.

Transport operators have also expressed concerns over rising operational expenses. Truck drivers and logistics companies say the toll rates could increase transportation costs, which may eventually impact market prices of goods.

Impact on Travel and Revenue

Despite the drop in traffic, authorities expect the number of vehicles to stabilise over time as commuters gradually adjust to the toll system. Officials believe that regular travellers and commercial transporters will continue to prefer the expressway due to its better road conditions and faster connectivity.

The Ganga Expressway is considered one of Uttar Pradesh’s major infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity across the state. As more sections become fully operational, traffic patterns and toll revenue are expected to improve in the coming months.