Are Bikes Allowed On Expressways In India? – (A Detailed Guide)

Hello reader! I’m Rashmika Sharma, a motorcycle enthusiast and solo traveler from India. If you’re an avid rider like me, you’ll definitely want to see the speedometer’s needle to its top speed. But you need good road conditions to unleash the full potential of your motorcycle, and expressways are best to reach the top speed.

Expressways are made to reduce the commute time for vehicles. But there are restrictions for motorcycles and auto rickshaws at some expressways. So, if you’re thinking of hitting high speeds, read the expressway rules and regulations first.

So, are bikes allowed on expressways in India? The rules and regulations can vary across different expressways in India. Entry of motorcycles and autorickshaws is prohibited on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Bangluru-Mysuru Expressway, and Eastern-Peripheral Expressway. At the same time, you can ride your motorcycle on the Purvanchal Expressway and Agra-Lucknow Expressway by paying nominal toll taxes.

On Which Expressways Bikes Are Not Allowed?

Generally, entry of two-wheelers is prohibited on Expressways in India except for Purvanchal Expressway, Yamuna Expressway, and Agra-Lucknow Expressway. But, there are no gazette guidelines for some newly constructed expressways like Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, Banglore-Mysore Expressway, Ganga Expressway, etc.

So, I have prepared a list of expressways where entry of two-wheelers and autorickshaws is prohibited.

Expressway Name	Rules For Motorcycle	Penalty
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway	Not Allowed	₹5000
Mumbai-Pune Expressway	Not Allowed	₹1200
Delhi-Meerut Expressway	Not Allowed	₹20000
Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway	Not Allowed	₹2000
Eastern-Peripheral Expressway	Not Allowed	₹5000

Why Are Bikes Not Allowed On Expressways In India?

One thought may come into your mind – why are bikes not allowed on expressways? A lot of argument says this is discrimination in society. But, NHAI officials said- “Expressways are made for faster commute and congestion-free traffic. Heavy vehicles moving at high speed pose a huge risk to bikers. That’s why motorcycles and scooters are not allowed on expressways.“

How Much Toll Tax For Bikes On Agra-Lucknow Expressway?

You can ride over 250cc motorcycles on some expressways of Uttar Pradesh. However, you need to pay toll taxes on entering the expressway. Earlier, Agra-Lucknow Expressway and Yamuna Expressway were toll-free for motorcycles. But, from 19 January 2018 onwards, the UP government decided to collect toll tax for two-wheelers on expressways that will cost between ₹285 to ₹500.

The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEDIA) CEO, Avinash Awasthi, said, “Toll-free entry of motorcycles will increase the rush of local motorcyclists, leading to traffic congestion and risk of accidents on expressways. That’s why we’ve decided to collect toll taxes for two-wheelers.“

Are Bikes Allowed On Delhi-Mumbai Expressway?

Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is a 1350 km long, 8-lane expressway that reduces the commute time between Delhi and Mumbai. However, two-wheelers (motorcycles and scooters) and autorickshaws are prohibited on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. So, if you’re traveling from Delhi to Mumbai on a motorcycle, please take the NH44 route via Mumbai-Agra national highway.

Are Bikes Allowed On Mumbai-Pune Expressway?

A few months back, I was going to Goa from Mumbai. So, I thought to take Mumbai-Pune Expressway. A policeman stopped me and told me that motorcycles are not allowed on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and I was fined ₹1200 for a rule violation. So, if you’re traveling from Mumbai to Pune on a motorcycle, please avoid Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

Are Bikes Allowed On Bangalore-Mysore Expressway?

When I was fined for the first time on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, I decided to read the rules and regulations for Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway. I found that motorcycles, autorickshaws, and slow-moving vehicles are banned from entering Bangalore-Mysore Expressway.

However, in a political debate, Bangalore Rural MP DK Suresh criticized the ban and said that Congress would open the two-wheeler entry and decide on a speed limit on this expressway. However, the NHAI official will soon issue a gazette notification on the decision.

Are Bikes Allowed On Purvanchal Expressway?

Purvanchal Expressway is a 6-lane, 341 km access-controlled highway that reduces commute time between Lucknow to Ghazipur. The good news for riders is that motorcycles are allowed on Purvanchal Expressway. I recently visited Varanasi on my motorcycle through Purvanchal Expressway. So, if you’re traveling from Lucknow to Varanasi, you can go to Azamgarh by Purvanchal Expressway and NH28 from Azamgarh to Varanasi.

Are Bikes Allowed On Agra-Lucknow Expressway?

Can you imagine the excitement of seeing the beauty of the Taj Mahal on your favorite motorcycle? I recently visited there on my KTM Duke. Thankfully, motorcycles with helmets and riding gear are allowed on Agra-Lucknow Expressway. But be ready to pay toll tax on this expressway.

Are Bikes Allowed On Eastern Peripheral Expressway?

Eastern Peripheral Expressway, aka Kundali-Ghaziabad-Palwal (KGP) Expressway, is a 135 km route that connects Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. However, entry of motorcycles is prohibited on this expressway. So, look for an alternative route for your journey.

Are Motorcycles Allowed On Yamuna Expressway?

If you’re visiting the Taj Mahal from New Delhi, then Yamuna Expressway is the fastest route. It’s a 6-lane, 165.5 km expressway that connects Greater Noida to Agra. Thankfully, motorcycles are allowed on Yamuna Expressway. So, you can unleash the top speed of your motorcycle on this expressway.

Conclusion

Expressways are excellent routes to cut down the commute time. But motorcycles are not permitted on all expressways in India. Two-wheelers entry is permitted on expressways that pass from Uttar Pradesh. However, ISI-certified helmets and riding gear are mandatory for entry.

I hope you found this informative guide helpful. Bookmark Motorcycle Ninja for more informative guides, and Ride safely..!