India's First 14-Lane Expressways: Delhi-Meerut and Eastern Peripheral Expressway Inaugurated

The Eastern Peripheral Expressway is India's first smart and green highway. Completed in a record 500 days, the 135km stretch was built at a cost of Rs 11,000 crore.

The expressway is fully controlled with six-lanes. It provides entry and exit only at designated interchanges, with 406 structures. These structures include 4 major bridges, 46 minor bridges, 3 flyovers, 7 interchanges, 221 underpasses and 8 road-over-bridges.

It is the first highway in India to be lit completely using solar power. The highway also features provisions for rainwater harvesting at every 500 metres, on either side.

The highway also showcases 36 national monument and 40 fountains along its 135km stretch. It also boasts of having eight solar power plants alongside, with a capacity of 4,000 kiloWatt.

The expressway is equipped with several smart and intelligent features. Including a Highway Traffic Management System (HTMS) and Video Incident Detection System (VIDS).

These systems will set a benchmark for future highways, while also being environment-friendly. The system also comes equipped with the best-in-technology and smart/interactive infrastructure.

To help bring down pollution levels, the expressway has 2.5 lakh trees transplanted, with drip irrigation facilities.

The expressway will also help bring down vehicular pollution into Delhi. All Vehicles not destined for the national capital will be diverted away from the city.

Delhi-Meerut Expressway

The first phase of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway was also recently inaugurated on Sunday. The first phase of the expressway is a nine-kilometre stretch of the 14-lane highway.

The total project has been allotted Rs 7,500 crore, with the first phase using up Rs 842 crore for its completion. The expressway helps cut down the travel time between Delhi and Meerut to 45 minutes, from the previous two-and-half hours.

The total length of the expressway will be 82km, out of which the first 27.74km will be 14-lane highway. The remaining distance will be a six-lane highway.

This is the first bridge in the country to feature vertical gardens, along with solar power system and drip irrigation.

The expressway will also feature a cycle-lane and a pedestrian footpath on either side, at the first 28km stretch between Delhi and Dasna.

The current Delhi-Meerut highway is one of the busiest highways, with 31 signals. The new expressway will do away with the signals, offering commuters a signal-free drive.

Thoughts On India's First Smart & Green Expressways

The two new expressways introduced around the national capital will help reduce congestion and pollution problems in the city. It will also reduce travel time for commuters entering and leaving Delhi.

The Expressways will further provide relief to the increasing pollution, through the use of intelligent and environmentally-friendly infrastructure.