In a significant development for the transportation sector, the long-awaited interchange loop connecting the Yamuna Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) is set to materialize, promising a more streamlined travel experience to Noida Airport and neighboring regions.
Foundation Stone Laid for the Interchange Loop
- Project Initiation: After nearly four years of delays, the project to build a 6.6 km interchange loop linking the Yamuna Expressway with the Eastern Peripheral Expressway is finally underway. Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra recently laid the foundation stone for this Rs 122 crore project, marking a major step forward in enhancing regional connectivity.
Funding Breakdown
- Financial Contributions: The project’s funding is a collaborative effort. As per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Yamuna Authority will cover 21.1% of the total budget, while the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will finance the larger share of 78.9%.
Impact on Airport Connectivity
- Improved Access to Jewar Airport: The upcoming international airport at Jewar stands to benefit greatly from this development. Residents of Greater Noida, Meerut, Panipat, Kundli, and other residential areas along the Yamuna Expressway will find their travel time to the airport reduced by approximately 15 kilometers. This enhanced access is a game-changer for both regular commuters and occasional travelers.
Current Expressway Layout
- Existing Infrastructure: Presently, the Yamuna Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway run in parallel near Jaganpur-Afzalpur village in Gautam Buddha Nagar district. However, there lacks a direct link between these two major expressways, creating a gap in the transportation network.
Challenges in Construction
- Delays Due to Land Acquisition: The construction of the interchange loop faced significant delays, primarily due to challenges in acquiring land. Farmers, who owned the required land, felt the compensation offered was insufficient. It took time to negotiate and agree on an amount that was satisfactory to these landowners, eventually paving the way for the project’s commencement.
