The KMP Expressway (Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway), also known as the Western Peripheral Expressway, is a 135.6 km stretch that plays a crucial role in decongesting Delhi’s traffic. This major infrastructure project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2018, runs through key cities in Haryana such as Sonipat, Manesar, and Palwal. Since its opening, it has significantly impacted the region’s traffic flow and even boosted the real estate market in surrounding areas.
Key Facts About the KMP Expressway
- Length: 135.6 km
- Lanes: 6
- Cost: ₹9,000 crore
- Starting Point: Kundli, Sonipat
- Ending Point: Dholagarh, Palwal
- Completion Date: November 19, 2018
The KMP Expressway’s Role in Easing Traffic
The KMP Expressway or Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE) is designed to route heavy traffic outside of Delhi, helping reduce the pollution and congestion in the capital. Together with the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, it forms one of the largest ring roads around Delhi. The two expressways, combined, help divert over 50,000 heavy vehicles daily, contributing significantly to better air quality in the city.
Route and Key Features
This expressway connects major locations in Haryana, including Kundli, Kharkhoda, Bahadurgarh, Badli, Jhajjar, and Palwal. Along its route, it features:
- 10 tolled entry and exit points
- 52 underpasses and 23 overpasses, including:
- 4 railway overbridges
- Multiple overpasses and underpasses at national and state highways
- Special crossings for agricultural vehicles, cattle, and pedestrians
In addition to its impressive infrastructure, the expressway is equipped with facilities such as:
- Bus stands, food courts, and toilets
- Helipads, medical trauma centers, and safety services like ambulances and patrol vehicles every 20 km
Speed Limits and Safety Measures
To ensure safety, the speed limits vary by vehicle type on the KMP Expressway:
- 120 km/h for light motor vehicles (LMVs)
- 100 km/h for heavy motor vehicles (HMVs)
However, on a stretch between Manesar and Kundli (about 83 km long), the Haryana government has set lower speed limits of 80 km/h for LMVs and 60 km/h for HMVs due to the high number of accidents on that section.
Cost and Development
The total cost of building the KMP Expressway was around ₹9,000 crore. A significant portion of this—₹2,998 crore—went towards acquiring land from local landowners, while the rest, ₹6,400 crore, was invested in construction and development.
Toll Charges
Toll rates for using the KMP Expressway depend on the type of vehicle:
- Light motor vehicles: ₹1.61/km
- Light commercial vehicles/minibuses: ₹2.60/km
- Two-axle vehicles: ₹5.45/km
- Three-axle vehicles: ₹5.95/km
- Four to six-axle vehicles: ₹8.56/km
- Seven-axle and above: ₹10.42/km
Environmental and Safety Features
The expressway has been designed with environmental and safety considerations in mind. Khas grass has been planted along the edges to prevent soil erosion and absorb carbon dioxide, helping improve air quality. Arjun, Neem, and Shisham trees have also been planted along the route, adding greenery and contributing to environmental sustainability.
The KMP Expressway is well-prepared for emergencies, with ambulances, police stations, and refilling stations located along the route. These services are in place to ensure that any incidents or breakdowns can be handled quickly and efficiently.
Recent Updates
In recent news, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari shared updates about the upcoming six-lane highway that will connect the KMP Expressway to National Highway 148. This new stretch will further enhance connectivity between Noida, Ghaziabad, and northern and eastern parts of Delhi, linking directly to the Delhi Noida Direct (DND) flyway.
Additionally, the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) has plans to develop five multi-modal transit stations along the expressway. These stations are expected to drive economic development in the region by improving transportation and logistics.
Conclusion
The KMP Expressway is not only an essential infrastructure project but also a game-changer for the traffic situation in and around Delhi. Spanning 135.6 km, this six-lane highway connects key cities like Sonipat, Manesar, and Palwal, easing traffic, reducing pollution, and boosting economic growth. Since its inauguration in November 2018, the expressway has positively impacted the real estate market and has become a critical part of the region’s transportation network.
With continuous improvements and future expansions, the Western Peripheral Expressway is set to remain a vital piece of infrastructure for years to come.