IRB Infrastructure Trust is set to commence trial runs on the Ganga Expressway Group 1, a six-lane greenfield project from Meerut to Budaun, starting 30th April 2026. This follows the inauguration of the expressway by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29th April 2026.
The project, managed by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Meerut Budaun Expressway Limited, will soon initiate tolling operations. Virendra D. Mhaiskar, Chairman and Managing Director of IRB Group, expressed pride in contributing to this significant infrastructure project, which features a kilometre-long bridge over the river Ganga and other major structures.
The Ganga Expressway Group 1 corridor spans 129.7 kilometres and is expected to enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time by nearly 50%, and promote economic growth. The project cost is estimated at ₹6,538 crore, with viable gap funding of ₹1,746 crore and financing from a consortium of lenders amounting to ₹2,659 crore. IRB Infrastructure Trust has contributed equity of ₹2,133 crore.
The expressway will provide faster connectivity between the National Capital Region and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, facilitating logistics and trade for the agriculture and industrial sectors in Punjab and Haryana. Additionally, it aims to decongest the National Capital Region and promote religious tourism to pilgrimage sites such as Varanasi and Prayagraj.
Major structures along the expressway include a 1 km long Ganga River Bridge, nine major flyovers, five major bridges, and 90 vehicular underpasses. The project, initially bagged by IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd, was transferred to the IRB Infrastructure Trust.
With this milestone, IRB Group’s investment in Uttar Pradesh’s highway sector has reached approximately ₹25,000 crore across five highways. All projects in the Trust’s portfolio are now revenue-generating.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).