In a significant validation of its infrastructure quality, the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has received highly positive results from an independent, international road quality assessment conducted on two of its major expressways. The authority engaged experts from a Zurich, Switzerland-based university to meticulously examine the carriageways.
Swiss Expertise for Smoother Rides
Tired of relying on standard checks, UPEIDA sought specialized expertise to determine the riding quality and comfort on these highways. The primary goal was to identify if any specific stretches required improvement or rectification works to enhance the overall driving experience. For this ambitious project, the authority collaborated with RTDT Laboratories AG, a spin-off company constituted specifically for this assignment.
The assessment focused on two key projects: the operational 91.35km-long Gorakhpur Link Expressway, which was inaugurated in June, and the under-construction 594km-long Ganga Expressway. A senior officer who reviewed the final report confirmed the details. The Gorakhpur link is a four-lane expressway, while the Ganga expressway is being developed as a six-lane corridor.
Rigorous Testing with a Specialised Van
The evaluation was carried out using a specialised van deployed over multiple days. On the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, the tests were conducted on all four lanes before the carriageway was opened for public use. For the Ganga Expressway, a 125km-long section that is nearly complete was examined.
Sharing the findings for the thoroughly examined 180km-long section of the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, the officer stated that the road quality was found to be excellent. The report summarizing the condition of the Ganga Expressway section is currently awaited.
International Standards and Future Plans
The Swiss company developed a custom algorithm based on the standardized International Roughness Index (IRI) to determine the smoothness of the asphalt pavement scientifically. This data-driven approach removes subjectivity from quality checks.
Encouraged by this initiative, UPEIDA is now expanding the model. Algorithm and database modelling is underway to carry out similar rigorous tests on other major expressways in the state, including the Bundelkhand Expressway and the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. The data modelling is designed to grade ride quality and the roughness index into four clear categories: excellent, good, acceptable, and poor.
Ganga Expressway Nears Completion
In a related development, a review held on Wednesday revealed that 93% of the overall civil works pertaining to the massive Ganga Expressway project have been successfully completed. This marks rapid progress on one of the state's most anticipated infrastructure projects.
The move to employ world-class auditing techniques underscores Uttar Pradesh's focus on building not just longer, but qualitatively superior highways that offer comfort and safety to commuters and boost economic connectivity.
