The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is constructing a new four-lane highway of 228 kilometers from Agra to Bareilly which includes a new for Bareilly Expressway, thus initiating a new level of highway construction in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The project also includes starting a construction from Mathura (Badh) to Bareilly. The project is expected to cost around ₹7,700 crores and is aimed at improving travel and fuel economy throughout a major part of western UP.

Agra-Bareilly Corridor Route

Once the work is done, the Agra-Bareilly expressway will be an expansion to improve travel access and connectivity across more than 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh. These include powerful districts of Agra, Mathura, Hathras, Kasganj, Budaun, and Bareilly, which would benefit from the boost in infrastructure development. The corridor will improve efficiency for inter-city travel and help smaller towns and villages access smoother pathways to the main cities. The religious and heritage tourism in regions like Mathura and Vrindavan will boost as these locations will be more accessible.

Agra To Bareilly Travel Time

The benefits of the new expressway include Agra to Bareilly travel time reduction. Currently, the drive from Bareilly to Agra takes around five hours. This will, however, change once the expressway becomes operational,as it will reduce the journey to two and a half hours. This advancement will not only be beneficial for daily commuters and transporters by saving precious time, but will also aid in reducing vehicle strain, fuel, and fatigue burnout, thus making long journeys practical and cost-effective.

Progress Update on Construction Activities and Schedule

For the purposes of management and execution, the expressway construction has been segmented into four distinct parts. The first segment, from Mathura to Hathras, is being developed by PNC Infratech Ltd. The next stretch from Hathras to Kasganj and further to Budaun is being handled by GR Infraprojects Pvt Ltd., while the final portion, from Budaun to Bareilly, is under construction by Dhariwal Construction Pvt Ltd. Work is progressing rapidly, and as of now, 58 kilometers of the 66-kilometer stretch from Mathura to Hathras has been completed. This section is expected to be open for traffic by June 2025. While the entire corridor is projected to be completed by 2027. This is as per the NHAI Project Director, Sanjay Verma.

Infrastructure Attributes of the New Expressway

The Agra–Bareilly corridor is more than just a highway as it comes with modern infrastructure meant for fast, safe, and smooth travel. As part of the construction, 20 flyovers are being built to avoid traffic jams and help congested intersections provide seamless movement. Also, 26 underpasses together with 6 railway overbridges will greatly enhance the flow of traffic, especially for local travelers. In addition to these, the corridor will have five other great bridges over important rivers of the region. The Brahman Ghat Bridge over the Yamuna is finished already, and now there is ongoing construction of a major bridge over the Ganga south of Soro,n which will ensure easy and safe traverse over the rivers.

Effects on the locals and Regional Connections

The Agra-Bareilly expressway is specially designed to accommodate city-to-city travellers while also optimizing commuters’ experience. However, the expressway is also meant to serve the day-to-day needs of rural and semi-urban populations. Villages and small towns situated on the route will be more accessible to the bigger towns and cities, markets, hospitals, and places of learning. In addition, enhanced tourism combined with growing served region populations will aid in boosting local businesses, leading to new employment opportunities in construction, tourism, and logistics. Enhanced infrastructure will accelerate the delivery of emergency aid, making transportation during critical situations far more responsive and reliable.

A Vision of Modern Connectivity for Uttar Pradesh

The Agra–Bareilly expressway stands as a symbol of modern development and connectivity in Uttar Pradesh. It is more than just a road—it is a vital artery for economic growth, tourism, logistics, and daily commuting. With smart planning, high-quality execution, and strategic placement, this project is expected to transform how people travel and do business across the region. The first phase, up to Hathras, will be operational by mid-2025, ushering in a new era of connectivity and convenience for lakhs of people.