Gorakhpur Link Expressway Toll Set at Rs 285 Per Single Journey
The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has officially notified the toll rates for the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, setting the charge for a single trip at Rs 285. This announcement, made on Thursday, details the fees that various categories of motor vehicles must pay to access this 91.3-kilometer-long expressway, which was inaugurated in June last year.
Higher Toll Rates Compared to Other Expressways
Compared to other major expressways in Uttar Pradesh, the toll charges for the Gorakhpur Link Expressway are notably higher. For instance, vehicle owners using the Lucknow-Agra Expressway pay Rs 2.20 per kilometer, while those on the Bundelkhand Expressway and Purvanchal Expressway pay Rs 2.14 and Rs 2 per kilometer, respectively. In contrast, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway imposes a rate of Rs 3.12 per kilometer, making it the most expensive among the state's expressways.
Reasons Behind the Steeper Charges
Officials from UPEIDA have attributed the higher toll rates to increased construction costs. A senior officer revealed that the project faced significant challenges, including the need to change the original alignment three to four times due to unforeseen circumstances. The most daunting obstacle arose after the monsoon seasons in 2023 and 2024, when the Ghaghra river, known for its unpredictable course, washed away the embankment and structures built for a bridge. This not only escalated the cost estimates but also extended the project timeline.
The officer further explained, "It took more than five years to construct the expressway. Apart from incurring a hefty amount for building the access-controlled corridor, a major portion of funds was allocated for structures like bridges, underpasses, and interchanges. Delays in the timeline led to cost overruns, ultimately increasing the overall project cost."
Route and Connectivity Details
The Gorakhpur Link Expressway originates from Salarpur town in Azamgarh and terminates at Jaitpur village in Gorakhpur, passing through the districts of Ambedkar Nagar and Sant Kabir Nagar. This four-lane expressway was constructed to enhance connectivity within eastern Uttar Pradesh, aiming to boost regional development and ease travel for residents and businesses.
Despite the higher toll, the expressway is expected to provide a faster and more efficient route, reducing travel time and improving infrastructure in the region. However, the increased cost has sparked discussions among vehicle owners and stakeholders about affordability and the long-term benefits of such projects.
