NHAI Signs Concession Agreement for Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway

A Major Boost to Connectivity, Logistics, and Wildlife Conservation

To improve connectivity between Agra and Gwalior, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a concession agreement with GR Infra projects for the development of the 88 km long Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway (NH-719D). The signing ceremony took place in the presence of NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav and senior officials from both NHAI and the Concessionaire.

The expressway, which will start from Deori village in Agra and end at Susera village in Gwalior, will be constructed as a 6-lane, access-controlled corridor under the Build-Operate-Transfer (Toll) model at a total capital cost of ₹46.13 billion (including land acquisition).

Key Highlights of the Agra-Gwalior Expressway Project

• Length & Structure: 88 km long, 6-lane access-controlled expressway
• Cost: ₹46.13 billion total capital cost including land acquisition
• Mode: Build-Operate-Transfer (Toll)
• Concession Period: 20 years, including 30-month construction phase
• States Covered: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh
• Construction Support: ₹8.20 billion support from NHAI during construction
• Infrastructure Features:
  
  • 8 major bridges
  • 23 minor bridges
  • 6 flyovers
  • 1 rail-over-bridge
  • 192 culverts

Advanced Wildlife Mitigation Measures

The expressway will pass through the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary. To conserve the endangered ‘Gadiyal’ species in the Chambal River, a cable-stayed bridge has been planned. Additionally, sound barriers and light cutters will be implemented to minimize wildlife disturbance, ensuring that infrastructure and ecology go hand in hand.

Enhanced Connectivity and Economic Impact

The Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway is expected to:

• Reduce travel time significantly between Agra, Dholpur, Morena, and Gwalior
• Decongest existing routes, especially NH-44
• Cut down carbon emissions
• Improve logistics efficiency for freight and commercial movement
• Stimulate economic growth in surrounding regions

Financial Model and Revenue Structure

The project was awarded based on a quoted 17.17% premium revenue share — a substantial increase from the expected 2.42%. The premium will begin from the second year after project completion and rise by 1% annually for the remaining concession period.

Statements from NHAI Leadership

NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav highlighted the importance of this project by saying,
"This expressway is a step forward in developing modern, sustainable transport infrastructure that enhances regional connectivity and boosts local economies. Our focus remains on integrating development with ecological responsibility."

Strengthening Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

The Agra-Gwalior Expressway is a part of the Government of India’s strong push towards Public-Private Partnerships in the highway sector. In another recent initiative, NHAI also signed a concession agreement for the development of the 121 km Guwahati Ring Road under the same BOT (Toll) model. These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to building world-class highways through sustainable financing and operational models.

Outlook for Infrastructure Development

With projects like the Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway, India is accelerating towards a future of high-speed, eco-conscious, and economically beneficial road infrastructure. The collaboration between NHAI and private players will continue to be pivotal in reshaping the nation’s transportation landscape.

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