Missing fencing, illegal access raise safety concerns on Ganga Expressway

Bijnor: A stretch of the Ganga Expressway near Chak Gulam Ambiya village in Amroha district has emerged as a safety concern due to missing fencing and an unauthorised access point that villagers use to enter and exit the high-speed corridor instead of designated crossings.

Residents said no underpass was constructed on the route connecting the village with neighbouring areas, forcing farmers and commuters to cross the expressway through the opening.

“The nearest underpass is about 1km away. Since many farmers' fields are located on the opposite side, they have to travel the extra distance to reach them,” resident Ramendra Singh said.

Villagers said they had repeatedly sought an underpass closer to the village, but the demand remained unresolved.

UPEDA executive engineer Rakesh Kumar Moga said villagers had stopped fencing work while pressing for an underpass. “A service road was being extended, after which the opening would be closed and fencing installed,” he said.

The unfenced stretch has also raised concerns about animals straying onto the expressway. Earlier this month, two cars collided and overturned after hitting a nilgai on the expressway, leaving three people seriously injured. Officials said nilgai and other wild animals could enter the corridor through the gap.

Village head Hemraj Gurjar said the demand for an underpass had been raised with authorities, including UPEDA and the district administration, but no action had been taken.

The 594km Ganga Expressway, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 29, connects Meerut and Prayagraj.