The toll for the Yamuna Expressway will increase from October 1 with Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) taking a decision to revise the rates across all categories for the first time since September 2022, reported TOI. The revised rates, officials said, are expected to boost daily collections to around Rs 1 crore and the changes will impact both daily commuters and tourists headed for Agra or Mathura. The move comes after Mumbai-based Suraksha Group took over Jaypee Infratech Ltd, which managed the expressway for so long. After the new rates, motorcycles — which previously paid Rs 1.25 per kilometre — will be charged Rs 1.5, a 20 per cent increase. Private cars and other light four-wheelers will face a 13.5 per cent hike, with toll rates rising from Rs 2.6 to Rs 2.95 per kilometre. For light commercial vehicles like small trucks and mini-buses, the rate will go up from Rs 4.15 to Rs 4.6, marking a 10.8 per cent rise. Buses and heavy trucks will see a 10.7 per cent jump, with the toll changing from Rs 8.45 to Rs 9.35. Multi-axle trucks and oversized vehicles will have to pay the maximum toll, with the revised rates now Rs 14.25 and Rs 18.35, respectively. The increase in rates is a part of the resolution plan submitted by Suraksha during the takeover of Jaypee, said YEIDA CEO Arun Vir Singh.The plan was approved by National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). It includes a provision for such toll hikes every year. The revision of rates was on hold for more than a year. During a YEIDA board meeting on January 29, a proposal tabled to increase the rates did not reach a consensus. The authority had requested a report from Jaypee mentioning its revenue collection and traffic forecasts on the expressway, keeping in mind the upcoming international airport in Jewar. The rates, however, had not seen any changes. Jaypee had constructed the highway in 2012 and had also secured land for developing 30,000 flats in Noida and Greater Noida. However, the company was in financial distress. After a protracted legal battle in NCLT and NCLAT, Suraksha acquired the debt-ridden company in June this year. An annual toll hike was one of the conditions set by Suraksha.

As part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s long-term vision, under the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' initiative, Naidu mentioned plans to more than double the number of airports in the country, with the target of reaching 350 airports by 2047, up from the current 157. He highlighted that the government’s regional connectivity scheme, UDAN, has already made 500 routes operational, and efforts are underway to further improve connectivity in remote areas.

Naidu also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on India’s 78th Independence Day, during which the Prime Minister focused on economic modernisation, infrastructure development, and strategic reforms as part of his vision to transform India into a globally competitive, developed nation by 2047, a vision termed 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' The Prime Minister expressed confidence that, through collective effort, India could achieve these developmental goals.