Authorities fix toll rates on Agra e-way

The UP Expressway Industrial development Authority (UPEIDA) has fixed toll tax rates for all vehicles on the 302-km Agra Expressway

It has now fixed toll tax rates for all vehicles on the on the country's longest six-lane expressway for over a year. The tax will be realised from Tuesday.

A decision to this effect was taken in a high-level meeting of the UPEIDA on Tuesday, chaired by the State Industries Minister Satish Mahana. After deliberation, the UPEIDA has fixed Rs 570 as toll tax on smaller and lighter private vehicles, including cars, jeeps and SUVs.

Lighter commercial vehicles will have to shell out Rs 905 while the rate of toll tax for Buses and Trucks has been fixed at Rs 1,815. Owners of heavy vehicles with 12 tires will have to pay Rs 2,785 and bigger vehicles will end up paying Rs 3,575 per trip on the six-lane expressway from either way.

The UPEIDA is also planning to levy toll tax on two wheelers to keep the traffic under check on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway which is longest in the country and has a 3.3 kms Airstrip to facilitate runway for defense aircrafts and fighter jets. The Indian Air Force has already tested the airstrip twice by landing and taking off its fighter jets, including Mirage, Sukhoi 30, MIG and its heaviest aircraft carrier.

The Expressway, which was built in record 22 months during the Akhilesh Yadav regime, is expandable to six lanes. It was opened for the public on November 21 2016 by then Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in the presence of the former Defense Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. India Air Force fighter planes had landed and taken off for the first time during the inaugural ceremony on the day.

For the security of travellers, the UPEIDA has decided to set-up nine police stations on the 302-km expressway between Lucknow and Agra. It will also station Dial 100 police interceptors and ambulances on the route to provide safe and secure routes to travelers.

As a goodwill gesture, the UPEIDA will offer a cup of tea to drivers of trucks and buses travelling at night. The purpose is to keep them awake during the journey.

THE AGRA E-WAY

• The Expressway, which was built in record 22 months during the Akhilesh Yadav regime, is expandable to six lanes. It was opened for the public on November 21 2016.