Ganga Expressway inaugurated: PM Modi flags off 594-km mega corridor linking Meerut to Prayagraj
Ganga Expressway inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway, a major infrastructure project aimed at strengthening connectivity across Uttar Pradesh. Stretching from Meerut to Prayagraj, the high-speed corridor is expected to play a crucial role in boosting trade, mobility and regional development.
The expressway passes through 12 districts, including Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli and Pratapgarh. It is designed to significantly reduce travel time while ensuring smoother and safer transportation of both passengers and goods.
Addressing a gathering in Hardoi, Modi highlighted the project’s long-term importance, comparing it to the historic role of the Ganga river in sustaining life in the region. He said the expressway would act as a new driver of economic progress, linking different parts of the state more efficiently.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also termed the project a “lifeline” for development. He noted that the six-lane expressway, which can be expanded to eight lanes in the future, will improve access for farmers, entrepreneurs and young people, helping bridge regional gaps and accelerate growth.
Built under a public-private partnership model, the expressway has been designed for a top speed of 120 kmph. One of its key features is a 3.2-km-long airstrip near Shahjahanpur, which can be used by the Indian Air Force during emergencies. The route is equipped with modern safety measures such as an Intelligent Traffic Management System, CCTV monitoring, emergency call boxes, ambulances and patrol teams.
The project is also expected to give a strong push to industrial development. Plans include setting up Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Clusters along the corridor, with facilities like warehouses, cold storage units and food processing centres. These developments are likely to attract investment and create employment opportunities.
In addition, the expressway will connect with major routes such as the Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow and Bundelkhand expressways, forming an extensive road network across the state. Officials believe this will strengthen supply chains and contribute significantly to Uttar Pradesh’s economic ambitions in the coming years.
- With inputs from agencies
