A groundbreaking new expressway has recently been inaugurated, providing an exciting travel opportunity for leisure travellers and spiritual pilgrims planning visits to the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar and the iconic Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu. The newly constructed Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway is poised to change how people journey through this vital corridor, enhancing connectivity and efficiency.
The Haryana section of this expressway has just opened, forming a crucial link within the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra framework. This development significantly reduces travel time between major destinations, making it easier for people to embark on their journeys without the stress of long delays. The Delhi-Katra Expressway spans about 669 kilometres, and once it becomes fully operational, the journey from Delhi to Katra will take only six hours, transforming how you travel. Imagine departing from Delhi at 6 AM and arriving in Katra by noon—making your trip faster and more convenient than ever.
One of the expressway's most impressive features is its ability to drastically shorten the travel time between Delhi and Katra. This 135 km stretch directly connects the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway to the Punjab border in the Kaithal district, ensuring smoother and faster commutes. As a result, travellers can expect a more efficient and enjoyable experience, whether they're embarking on a pilgrimage or heading for a family holiday. With this expressway, exploring these significant cultural and spiritual sites has never been easier.
The new expressway, traversing the Jhajjar district of Haryana, stands as a testament to modern infrastructure, featuring reinforced railings along the roadside that ensure safety by preventing animals from straying onto the highway. Enhanced by a lush green median, the expressway is functional and visually appealing. Designed strictly for authorised vehicles, this access-controlled expressway boasts four high-speed lanes; light vehicles can soar up to 120 km/h, while heavy cars adhere to a limit of 80 km/h. Additionally, its cutting-edge toll collection system eliminates the need for traditional toll booths, significantly streamlining payment and minimising delays. The thoughtful design also includes elegant fountains and irrigation along the central divider, adding an attractive touch that elevates the overall driving experience.
The expressway is engineered to accommodate a variety of vehicles, including both light and heavy traffic, enhancing transportation efficiency in the region. However, motorcycles and auto-rickshaws are prohibited from using this route for safety reasons. To ensure that all drivers are well-informed and can navigate safely, comprehensive and clearly legible signage is strategically placed every 100 meters. These signs provide crucial information about traffic rules, restrictions, and any updates regarding road conditions, helping to foster a safer driving environment for everyone.
The toll rates for the new KMP-Kaithal section are as follows:
Light Motor Vehicles (Cars, Jeeps):
One-way: INR 240
Round trip: INR 360
Light Commercial Vehicles:
One-way: INR 385
Round trip: INR 580
Two-Axle Buses and Trucks:
One-way: INR 805
Round trip: INR 1,210
Three-Axle Commercial Vehicles:
One-way: INR 880
Round trip: INR 1,320