Yamuna Expressway
Greater Noida–Agra Expressway
Also known as Taj Expressway (original project name)
166 km
Open
Uttar Pradesh
Expressway
Route
Yamuna Expressway runs 166 km from Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh to Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Crosses Uttar Pradesh.
Through Greater Noida, Jewar, Mathura and Agra.
Why it matters
This was the road that showed India what a modern expressway could feel like — smooth, fenced, no traffic lights, no bullock carts — and it made Agra a comfortable day trip from Delhi, which matters a lot for tourism at the Taj Mahal. It is now also the main road link to Noida International Airport at Jewar, and the strip of land along it has become one of north India's fastest-growing zones for factories, warehouses and new townships.
History
The Yamuna Expressway connects Greater Noida with Agra along the Yamuna river, cutting the drive to the Taj Mahal to around two hours from Delhi. It was planned in 2003 as the Taj Expressway and built by Jaypee Infratech under a concession from the Uttar Pradesh government: instead of being paid to build it, the company got the right to collect toll for decades plus large blocks of land beside the road to develop. It was one of India's earliest long access-controlled expressways when it opened in August 2012, and it set the pattern — fenced on both sides, no crossings, no slow vehicles — that later Indian expressways copied. The Buddh International Circuit, which held India's Formula 1 races, sits right beside it. Its biggest change came in June 2026, when the new Noida International Airport at Jewar started flights, turning the expressway into the main road to a second airport for Delhi.
Good to know
- Passes right by the Buddh International Circuit, which hosted India's Formula 1 Grand Prix.
- Serves the Noida International Airport at Jewar, which began commercial flights in June 2026.
- One of the first fully access-controlled 6-lane expressways in India.
- Cuts the Delhi–Agra drive to roughly two to three hours, so the Taj Mahal is an easy day trip.
- Built by Jaypee Infratech, which was paid through toll rights and land beside the road rather than cash.
- About 165 km long, with toll collected at three main plazas — Jewar, Mathura and Agra.
- Built as 6 lanes but with room in the middle to widen it to 8.
Timeline
- 2003Project conceived as the Taj Expressway
- 2011Buddh International Circuit, beside the expressway, hosts India's first Formula 1 Grand Prix
- 2012Opened to traffic in August
- 2026Noida International Airport at Jewar, right beside the expressway, begins commercial flights in June
Key junctions
- Zero Point, Greater Noida — the northern end, joining the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway towards Delhi
- Jewar — the exit for Noida International Airport
- Mathura — main exit for Mathura and Vrindavan
- Kuberpur, Agra — the southern end, joining NH 19 east of Agra
On the road
Greater Noida to Agra takes about two to two and a half hours at the 100 km/h car limit, with toll plazas at Jewar, Mathura and Agra. In the depths of winter the authority cuts the limit because thick fog settles on this stretch and has caused serious pile-ups — do not drive it at dawn in December or January if you can avoid it. There are proper rest areas with fuel, toilets and food, but long gaps between them, so stop when you see one. Watch for stray cattle and the occasional vehicle coming the wrong way near village crossings.
What’s coming next
- A 31 km elevated corridor from the DND Flyway to the Yamuna Expressway at Chi-IV in Greater Noida is planned, to give Delhi a faster run to Jewar airport; the alignment was settled in 2026 and a detailed project report is being prepared.
More details
- Lanes
- 6 lanes, access-controlled (expandable to 8)
- Project cost
- About ₹13,000 crore