No Toll on Greater Noida Expressway ?

‘No toll’ for G Noida e-way

28 Dec 10

Relief is in the offing for thousands of vehicles which use the 24-km-long Noida-Greater Noida Expressway every day. The state government may let the link road remain toll-free. Early this year, the government had issued a notification, saying a toll plaza would be set up on the highway (near Amity University) next year.

A car commuter was to pay R16 and R55 was to be levied on a bus or a truck. Jaypee Infratech was supposed to collect the toll tax. Also, a detailed rate list had been announced for other vehicles.

Government sources in Lucknow on Monday confirmed to HT plans to roll back the proposal. The reason: The expressway is to be upgraded and merged with the Yamuna Expressway —  connecting Greater Noida to Agra.

“We’re in the process of retaining the Greater Noida Expressway as toll-free despite plans to merge it with the under-construction Yamuna Expressway. Alternatives, aimed at financial viability, are being worked out to make sure the interests of all parties involved are intact. Nothing more can be disclosed at this point in time,” said a highly-placed source.  

Built by the government at R400 crore, locals use the road to reach their homes in the housing blocks along the expressway. The link also supports farming activity. According to a concession agreement, the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway will be handed over to Jaypee Infratech. The firm will widen and maintain the expressway. The company was to pay the cost of this stretch to the authority in 15 years. In case the proposed toll plaza does not come up, the payment to the authority can be tweaked, said sources.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/No-toll-for-G-Noida-e-way/Article1-643636.aspx