In a significant development poised to reshape Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to expedite the construction of the ‘Ganga Expressway,’ aiming for completion by the end of the year.
This Ganga Expressway project is not only a gift to the state but a strategic initiative ahead of the Mahakumbh in 2025. Uttar Pradesh already leads the country with six operational expressways and seven under construction.
Ganga Expressway is India’s second-longest expressway
The Ganga Expressway, an ambitious undertaking with a projected length of 594 kilometers, stands as the second-longest expressway in the country, following the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, the longest one.
It’s noteworthy that Uttar Pradesh currently boasts four expressways that rank among the top 10 in terms of length across India. Upon the completion and operation of the Ganga Expressway, the state will proudly claim five out of the top 10 expressways in the nation.
Ganga Expressway to be completed by year end
The Chief Minister, in a recent meeting with UPEIDA officials, emphasised the urgency of making the Ganga Expressway operational by December 31, 2024, considering the upcoming Mahakumbh. The Ganga Expressway is poised to redefine travel efficiency and stimulate economic growth across its vast corridor.
Ganga Expressway features
This expressway, connecting the state from east to west, will traverse 518 villages across 12 districts, significantly reducing travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj.
The Ganga Expressway, with an estimated cost of Rs 36,230 crore, is designed to accommodate six lanes initially, expandable to eight lanes, boasting a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour.
Noteworthy features include two long bridges spanning the Ganga and Ramganga rivers, allowing even big planes to land. A 3.50-kilometer airstrip near Jalalabad tehsil in Shahjahanpur adds to the project’s versatility.
To enhance public convenience, nine public amenities complexes are planned along the expressway, with main toll plazas at Meerut and Prayagraj, and ramp toll plazas at 15 locations. Notably, major corporations such as IRB Infrastructure and Adani Infrastructure are actively engaged in the construction of this transformative infrastructure.
With 141 out of 153 clearances already secured from key departments, including NHAI/PWD, Railways, Irrigation Department, and Fuel Pipeline, the Ganga Expressway is not merely a transportation link but a testament to Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to modernising its connectivity landscape.