Overview

The Purvanchal Expressway, inaugurated on November 16, 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a landmark infrastructure project in Uttar Pradesh, spanning 340.8 kilometers. It connects Chand Sarai village near Gosainganj in Lucknow to Haidaria village on NH-31 in Ghazipur, reducing travel time from 12 hours to approximately 5.5-6 hours. As a six-lane access-controlled expressway (expandable to eight), it enhances connectivity across nine districts: Lucknow, Barabanki, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, Azamgarh, Mau, and Ghazipur.

Image Source: google.com

Location and Connectivity

Importance for Travelers and Commuters

The expressway is pivotal for:

• Efficient Travel: Reduces travel time between Lucknow and Ghazipur, with links to Delhi via the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and Bihar via NH-31.
• Economic Growth: Boosts trade, commerce, and industrial development in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
• Tourism and Real Estate: Enhances access to religious sites like Ayodhya, spurring real estate growth in connected districts.

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Understanding the Expressway

Length, Route, and Key Destinations

• Length: 340.8 km
• Route: Connects Chand Sarai (Lucknow) to Haidaria (Ghazipur), passing through Barabanki, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, Azamgarh, Mau, and Ghazipur.
• Key Destinations: Ayodhya, Varanasi (via NH-31 link), Gorakhpur (via Gorakhpur Link Expressway).

Number of Lanes, Speed Limits, and Safety Features

• Lanes: 6 lanes (expandable to 8)
• Speed Limits: 100 km/h for cars, 80 km/h for trucks and buses.
• Safety Features: Includes 22 flyovers, 7 railway-over-bridges, 7 major bridges, 104 minor bridges, 27 vehicular underpasses, 271 small vehicular underpasses, and a 3.2 km airstrip at Akhalkiri Karwat (Sultanpur) for emergency landings.

Major Interchanges and Exits

The expressway features 13 interchanges connecting key districts, including:

• Barabanki
• Sultanpur
• Ayodhya
• Azamgarh

What You Need to Know about Toll

Image Source: google.com

Toll Plaza Locations and Charges

There are six toll plazas along the Purvanchal Expressway, strategically located to manage traffic and collect revenue.

Vehicle Categories and Applicable Toll Fees

Toll fees vary by vehicle type, with estimated rates for FY 2025-26 reflecting a 5% increase from FY 2024-25, based on NHAI trends.

Payment Methods: FASTag & Cash Transactions

Travelers can pay tolls using:

• FASTag: A cashless electronic toll collection system, mandatory for most vehicles (FASTag).
• Cash Transactions: Available at all toll plazas for non-FASTag users, though limited due to FASTag compliance.

Rules and Guidelines for Smooth Travel

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Speed Limits and Lane Discipline

Drivers must adhere to speed limits (100 km/h for cars, 80 km/h for trucks/buses) and maintain lane discipline to ensure safety.

Vehicle Restrictions

Prohibited vehicles include two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and non-motorized vehicles (e.g., bullock carts, tractors) to maintain high-speed traffic flow.

Emergency Procedures

In case of breakdowns or accidents:

• Use emergency lanes or hard shoulders.
• Contact roadside assistance via the Expressway Mitra app or helpline numbers (112 for police, 1800-419-0139 for UPEIDA).

Rules of Toll Plaza Line Exceeds the Limit

NHAI Rules on Waiting Time at Toll Plazas

If the queue at a toll plaza extends beyond 100 meters, vehicles may pass without paying toll fees, per NHAI regulations (NHAI). However, this rule was repealed for new toll plazas post-2023, so travelers should verify applicability (Foxmandal).

How FASTag Lanes Help in Reducing Congestion

FASTag lanes streamline toll collection, minimizing delays.

Special Concessions for Local Residents

Discounted Toll Passes for People Living Near Toll Plazas

Residents within a 20 km radius of toll plazas can apply for discounted monthly passes under NHAI Rule No. 24, offering up to 50% savings.

Application Process and Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility: Proof of residence (e.g., Aadhaar, voter ID) within 20 km of a toll plaza.
• Process: Submit documents to UPEIDA offices or online via the UPEIDA portal.

Real Estate Along the Expressway

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Why is the Purvanchal Expressway a Real Estate Hotspot?

Upcoming Residential Projects and Investment Opportunities

UPEIDA plans four industrial corridors in Barabanki, Ayodhya, Azamgarh, and Ghazipur, spurring residential and commercial projects (UPEIDA).

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Key Areas and Their Advantages for Homebuyers and Investors

Areas like Ayodhya and Azamgarh offer cultural significance, connectivity, and investment potential due to proximity to the expressway.

Tourist Attractions in the Expressway

• Ayodhya – Home to Ram Mandir and Saryu River, a major pilgrimage site.
• Varanasi – A spiritual hub, accessible via NH-31, known for Ganges ghats and Banaras Hindu University.
• Gorakhpur – Features Gorakhnath Temple, connected via the Gorakhpur Link Expressway.
• Sultanpur – Known for historical sites like Sitakund.
• Azamgarh – Offers historical significance with Durvasa Rishi Ashram.

Traveler Tips for a Hassle-Free Journey

Best Times to Travel

• Early mornings (5-8 AM) or late evenings (7-10 PM) to avoid peak traffic, especially near Ayodhya during festivals.

Available Rest Stops

• Four wayside amenities at km 53, 155, 255, and 305, offering food courts, fuel stations, and restrooms (UPEIDA).

Emergency Helplines

• Police Helpline: 112
• UPEIDA Helpline: 1800-419-0139
• Expressway Mitra App: Offers real-time incident reporting and route planning.

Proposed Upgrades to Enhance Safety and Efficiency

• Gorakhpur Link Expressway: A 91 km link, set for completion by July 2025, will reduce Lucknow-Gorakhpur travel time to 3 hours.
• Buxar-Ghazipur Elevated Road: A 17 km, 4-lane road under planning to connect to Bihar.
• Safety: Plans for AI-based traffic management and additional patrol vehicles.

Future Impact on Real Estate and Daily Commuters

Image Source: google.com

These developments are expected to boost real estate values in Ayodhya, Azamgarh, and Ghazipur, while improving daily commutes and access to cultural and economic hubs.

Conclusion

The Purvanchal Expressway is a transformative corridor connecting Lucknow to Ghazipur, reducing travel times and fostering economic and cultural growth. With FASTag-enabled toll plazas, strict speed limits, and safety features like an emergency airstrip, it ensures a smooth travel experience. Plan trips during off-peak hours, use the Expressway Mitra app, and keep FASTag active for hassle-free journeys. The expressway’s connectivity to Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur, coupled with planned industrial corridors, makes it a real estate hotspot, promising significant returns for investors and enhanced quality of life for residents.