In a recent development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finally started operation of the Dasna-Hapur section of Delhi-Meerut Expressway. The 22.2 km long-awaited section of the expressway is the second stretch that has been opened for Public-use. The first stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and UP Gate was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on May 27, 2018.
With the opening up of this section, the travelling time between the two cities will now reduce to just 20 minutes from earlier 1 hour.
Giving more information on the above, RP Singh, Project Director, NHAI said, “The stretch between Dasna and Hapur has two elevated sections at Masuri (2.5 km) and Chijarsi (5 km) in Pilkhuwa. This has provided a much-needed respite to the daily commuters who face snarling traffic jams on these two stretches.”
Apart from this, the stretch also comprises of 10 underpasses, three foot-over-bridges and one bridge over the Ganga canal. The construction cost of this stretch is Rs 1057 crore. At present, around 3500 vehicles daily travel from this stretch.
Besides this, the other two stretches between UP Gate to Dasna and Dasna to Meerut are currently under-construction. However, the 19 km long stretch between UP Gate and Dasna will become operational in two phases. The first phase of 10.5 km between UP Gate to Pratap Vihar would be completed by October 2019; while the second phase of it will become fully operational mid-2020. The second phase, however, includes the development of Hindon Canal Bridge, rail overbridge at Lal Kuan and the Hindon canal bridge. The work on Hindon Canal Bridge is almost completed and will start operation by September 2019. On the other hand, the rail overbridge and Canal Bridge will get completed by December 2019 and May 2020.