How will Ganga Expressway prove to be a lifeline and a milestone in economic development of several districts in UP
Hardoi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is dedicating the 594-kilometer-long Ganga Expressway—one of the country's largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects—to the nation on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate this expressway, constructed between Meerut and Prayagraj at a cost of approximately Rs 36,230 crore, in the town of Mallawan in Hardoi. On this occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel will be present, alongside numerous other dignitaries including Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, and State BJP President Pankaj Chaudhary.
The Prime Minister will also address a public rally on this occasion. A crowd of approximately two lakh people is expected to gather for this event. Comprehensive arrangements have been made, ranging from security protocols to essential amenities such as drinking water and medical facilities for the attendees arriving amidst the summer heat.
Set to become a milestone in the economic development of several districts
It is believed that this expressway will prove to be a lifeline connecting the eastern and western regions of the state. Furthermore, by generating new opportunities for industrial growth, self-employment, and job creation, it is set to become a milestone in the economic development of several districts. The foundation stone for this project was laid by the Prime Minister in Shahjahanpur in 2021, and it has now been completed in 2026. During the dedication ceremony, PM Modi is scheduled to spend approximately one hour and 40 minutes in Hardoi.
According to the scheduled itinerary, the Prime Minister will arrive at the Lucknow Airport from Varanasi at 10:30 AM. From there, he will travel via an Mi-17 helicopter and land at the helipad constructed near the ceremony venue in Mallawan at 11:15 AM. Following the dedication ceremony, Mr. Modi will depart from the venue for the Lucknow Airport at 12:55 PM.
Upon his arrival at the helipad situated on the Ganga Expressway, the Prime Minister will plant a 'Harishankari' sapling at the Ganga Expressway Vatika. Subsequently, he will inspect the expressway and tour the exhibition set up at the public rally venue. Additionally, he will felicitate the workers involved in the construction of the project. Subsequently, the Prime Minister will arrive at the main marquee and address the public gathering alongside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Project will prove to be a game-changer
The high-speed corridor spans a distance of 594 kilometers, connecting Meerut to Prayagraj. This project is poised to not only elevate the state's connectivity to new heights but also prove to be a game-changer in terms of industrial investment, agricultural marketing, logistics, and regional balance. By directly linking Western Uttar Pradesh with Purvanchal, this expressway will accelerate the state's economy while simultaneously bolstering the 'Ease of Doing Business' environment.
Connects 12 key districts
The Ganga Expressway connects 12 key districts, including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj. The operationalization of this high-speed route is expected to result in a significant reduction in travel time between these regions. While covering long distances previously took several hours, this journey will now become faster, safer, and more convenient. Furthermore, the reduction in freight transportation costs will directly benefit industries and traders, thereby infusing new energy into the state's economy.
The Ganga Expressway has been developed under the PPP model, serving as an exemplary instance of public-private partnership. Currently constructed as a six-lane highway, it has been designed with the flexibility to be expanded to eight lanes to accommodate future requirements. With a design speed of 120 kilometers per hour, this expressway will ensure rapid and smooth traffic flow. Its high-quality construction, wide right-of-way, and robust safety features position it among the most modern expressways in the country.
Airstrip constructed near Shahjahanpur
A distinctive feature of this expressway is the approximately 3.2-kilometer-long airstrip constructed near Shahjahanpur, which allows for the landing of Air Force aircraft during emergencies. Additionally, the entire route is equipped with an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), CCTV surveillance, emergency call boxes, ambulances, and patrolling services. Modern equipment has been installed to monitor vehicle speeds and ensure safety, thereby providing travelers with a secure and comfortable journey experience.
Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Clusters
The Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Clusters (IMLCs) being developed along the Ganga Expressway constitute the project's greatest strength. These clusters will house manufacturing units, warehouses, cold storage facilities, food processing plants, and logistics hubs.
Incentives are attracting investors
Incentives offered by the government—such as capital subsidies, SGST reimbursements, stamp duty exemptions, power incentives, and top-up benefits—are attracting investors. This is expected to bring large-scale industrial investment to the state and create employment opportunities for millions of youth.
An interconnected expressway network
The Ganga Expressway is being integrated with the state's other major expressways (Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow, Bundelkhand, and Gorakhpur Link). This will establish an interconnected expressway network within Uttar Pradesh—the largest of its kind in the country. Enhanced connectivity will not only facilitate easier movement for people but also make freight transport faster and more affordable, thereby giving fresh momentum to the logistics sector.
Agro-based industries, agricultural markets (mandis), cold storage facilities, and warehouses will be developed along both sides of the expressway. This will provide farmers with better market access for their produce and ensure they receive fair prices. Furthermore, industrial activity will increase in underdeveloped regions, thereby reducing regional disparities and ensuring holistic development.