The Ganga Expressway, Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious new superhighway, is speeding towards completion, just in time for the massive Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj next January.
This 594 km (369 mile) long expressway, slicing through 12 districts and 518 villages, will connect Meerut in western UP to Prayagraj in the east. Imagine zipping from Meerut to Prayagraj in just 6-8 hours, instead of the current 10-12 hours!
Why the Rush?
The Mahakumbh Mela, a massive religious gathering attracting millions of pilgrims, is a major reason for the expedited construction. Authorities are aiming to open the expressway to traffic by the end of December this year, ensuring smooth travel for the pilgrims.
More Than Just a Road:
- Boosting Connectivity: The Ganga Expressway will link up with other major highways like the Yamuna Expressway (from Delhi), Purvanchal Expressway, and Agra-Lucknow Expressway, creating a super-connected network in Uttar Pradesh.
- Rural Development: This expressway isn’t just about connecting big cities. It’s expected to bring significant development to rural areas of Uttar Pradesh.
- Economic Powerhouse: A 150-hectare industrial corridor is being developed along the expressway, featuring industrial zones, logistics hubs, and warehouses in cities like Meerut, Hapur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Hardoi, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Prayagraj.
Construction Update:
Despite monsoon delays, construction is progressing rapidly. Over 90% of the earthwork is complete, and the finishing touches are being applied to ensure the expressway is ready to roll by its December deadline.
Fast Facts:
- Length: 594 km (369 miles)
- Lanes: 6 (expandable to 8)
- Speed Limit: 120 kmph (75 mph)
- Foundation Stone Laid: December 18, 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Estimated Cost: ₹36,404 crore (approximately $4.4 billion USD)
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
