Greater Noida expressway to remain toll-free, commuters happy

NOIDA: The 23km-long Noida-Greater Noida expressway will continue to be toll-free. The decision was taken at a joint board meeting on Monday. Residents in the two cities were opposed to the proposal for charging toll on the e-way.

Commuters, who have been getting a free passage for more than 10 years, were worried that their monthly expenses would shoot up if toll was levied.

A large number of residents travel between the twin cities as well as to other parts of the NCR often several times a day. "Paying toll on the expressway would have put undue strain on my resources.

I have to use the e-way to save time," said businessman Naresh Dubey, who lives in Alpha I in Greater Noida. Those living in multi-storey societies along the e-way or in adjoining sectors were also worried about imposition of toll as they would have to spend more to reach their workplace.

"I have no other option but to use the expressway to reach my office. Avoiding the e-way would defeat the very purpose of choosing a society in this area," said Anupama Shahni, who stays in Sector 93.

Several political parties had been trying to cash in on the toll issue by organizing demonstrations. Many farmer groups were also opposed to the imposition of toll. The decision to allow a free passage has put to rest speculation about politically motivated protests.

According to an agreement signed between the Authority and the concessionaire of Yamuna Expressway way back in 2003, toll was to be imposed on the Noida expressway soon after the Yamuna e-way was commissioned. Departing from the arrangement, the expressway is set to remain toll-free at all times.