Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
The Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), a 135-km six-lane corridor encircling the NCR, diverts over 50,000 non-Delhi-bound vehicles daily, reducing pollution by 27%. Officially inaugurated in May 2018 at an investment of INR 11,000 crore, it features electronic toll collection, weigh-in-motion sensors, and solar-powered lighting. Environmental measures include 250,000 trees and rainwater harvesting every 500 meters. With seamless connectivity via interchanges, flyovers, and underpasses, EPE has boosted real estate and industrial growth in Kundli, Palwal, and Baghpat, marking a significant step in India's sustainable infrastructure development.
The Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), also known as the Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal (KGP) Expressway, is a significant infrastructure project in India, designed to form a semi-ring road around the National Capital Region (NCR). Spanning approximately 135 kilometers, this six-lane expressway traverses the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, connecting Kundli in Sonipat district to Palwal, while passing through districts such as Baghpat, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida. The primary objective of the EPE is to divert non-Delhi-bound traffic, thereby reducing congestion and pollution within the capital city. The conceptualization of the EPE dates back to the early 2000s, with the aim of creating a peripheral road network to alleviate the burgeoning traffic pressure on Delhi's urban infrastructure. The project was officially declared as National Expressway 2 (NE-2) in March 2006. However, due to various administrative and logistical challenges, significant progress was delayed until the mid-2010s. In August 2015, the Government of India approved funding for the expressway under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase VI, adopting a build-operate-transfer model to expedite its completion. Advertisement
Construction of the EPE was divided into six packages, awarded to five different contractors, ensuring efficient management and timely execution. The expressway boasts several innovative features aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. A closed tolling system ensures that users pay tolls corresponding only to the distance traveled, facilitated by electronic toll collection to maintain uninterrupted traffic flow. Weigh-in-motion sensors at all entry points prevent overloaded vehicles from accessing the expressway, promoting road safety and infrastructure longevity. To monitor and control vehicle speeds, cameras have been installed at two-kilometer intervals, with provisions to issue on-the-spot fines for violations. Environmental considerations include the planting of approximately 250,000 trees along the corridor, irrigated through a drip system, and the installation of solar panels generating a total capacity of 4 megawatts to power lighting and other facilities. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems are implemented at every 500 meters to conserve water resources.
The EPE comprises a total of 406 structures, including four major bridges, 46 minor bridges, three flyovers, seven interchanges, 221 underpasses, and eight railway-over-bridges (ROBs), ensuring seamless connectivity across various terrains and existing infrastructures. A 2.5-meter-wide cycle track on both sides of the expressway promotes eco-friendly transportation. The project was completed at an estimated cost of INR 11,000 crore (approximately USD 1.5 billion) and was inaugurated on May 27, 2018, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Since becoming operational, the EPE has significantly impacted traffic patterns in the NCR. It is estimated to divert over 50,000 trucks away from Delhi daily, contributing to a reduction in air pollution levels by approximately 27%. The expressway has also spurred economic development in adjacent regions, with improved connectivity fostering growth in sectors such as real estate, commerce, and industry. Cities like Baghpat, Palwal, and Kundli have witnessed increased investment and development activities, transforming them into emerging hubs within the NCR.
In conclusion, the Eastern Peripheral Expressway stands as a testament to India's commitment to developing sustainable and efficient transportation infrastructure. By effectively diverting non-essential traffic from Delhi, it not only alleviates urban congestion but also contributes to environmental conservation and regional economic growth. The EPE serves as a model for future expressway projects aiming to balance development with ecological and societal considerations.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
