The Ganga Expressway is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects initiated by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). This expressway, once completed, will be the longest in India, spanning 594 kilometers, and will provide seamless connectivity between Meerut in the west and Prayagraj (Allahabad) in the east. As part of India’s infrastructure drive, the expressway promises to revolutionize road transport and boost economic development in Uttar Pradesh.
Key Features of the Ganga Expressway
The Ganga Expressway is designed as a six-lane access-controlled greenfield expressway, expandable to eight lanes. With a design speed of 120 km/h, the expressway aims to significantly reduce travel time across the state.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 594 km |
| Lanes | 6 (expandable to 8) |
| Speed Limit | 120 km/h |
| Toll Plazas | 2 main plazas (Meerut, Prayagraj), 15 ramp toll plazas |
| Public Amenities | 9 public convenience centers |
| Airstrip | Emergency landing strip in Shahjahanpur |
| Bridges | 14 major bridges, 126 minor bridges |
| Flyovers | 28 flyovers |
| Culverts | 929 culverts |
| Environmental Features | 18,55,000 saplings to be planted along the route, use of fly ash for construction to reduce carbon footprint. |
The expressway will cut through 12 districts, directly impacting the connectivity and economy of these regions. Some of the districts include Meerut, Hapur, Amroha, Shahjahanpur, Raebareli, and Prayagraj. The project also includes provisions for developing industrial clusters along the route, ensuring economic upliftment through enhanced transportation and logistics hubs.
Phases and Construction Packages
The construction of the Ganga Expressway is divided into two phases. The first phase involves the completion of the 594-kilometer stretch from Meerut to Prayagraj, which is currently under development, with completion expected by 2024. The second phase will further extend the expressway from Meerut to Haridwar in Uttarakhand, providing better access to northern regions.
The expressway is divided into 12 construction packages, allowing different sections to be developed simultaneously:
| Package | Route | Length (km) | Developer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package 1 | Bijauli (Meerut) to Chandner (Hapur) | 48.9 | IRB Infrastructure |
| Package 2 | Chandner (Hapur) to Mirzapur Dungal (Amroha) | 30.0 | IRB Infrastructure |
| Package 3 | Mirzapur Dungal (Amroha) to Nagla Baraha (Budaun) | 50.7 | Adani Enterprises |
| Package 4 | Nagla Baraha (Budaun) to Binawar (Budaun) | 52.1 | Adani Enterprises |
| Package 5 | Binawar (Budaun) to Dari Gulau (Shahjahanpur) | 46.7 | Adani Enterprises |
| Package 6 | Dari Gulau (Shahjahanpur) to Ubariya Khurd (Hardoi) | 52.9 | Adani Enterprises |
Economic and Social Impact
The Ganga Expressway is expected to create massive economic opportunities across Uttar Pradesh by improving access to markets and reducing travel times for goods and passengers. It will boost industrial growth along its route, with proposed industrial clusters, logistics hubs, and warehousing facilities at strategic points along the expressway.
The Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) policy ensures compensation and fair treatment for landowners affected by the land acquisition. The alignment of the expressway has been designed to minimize the displacement of people and structures.
Additionally, the expressway is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions by promoting smoother traffic flow and utilizing fly ash from thermal plants in construction, which reduces the consumption of natural resources like soil.
Key Environmental and Technological Features
- Environmental Concerns: With a focus on reducing the environmental footprint, the expressway will include 1.9 million saplings planted along the route. Additionally, solar energy will be used at various toll plazas and service areas to ensure sustainable energy consumption.
- Technology in Use: The expressway will employ advanced traffic management systems (ATMS), ensuring real-time traffic updates and managing road conditions for better safety. ITMS (Intelligent Traffic Management System) will help in regulating traffic and toll management along the route.
Comparison with Other Major Expressways
The Ganga Expressway, when completed, will be the longest expressway in India. It joins the ranks of other significant infrastructure projects in Uttar Pradesh that aim to enhance connectivity and economic growth.
| Expressway | Length | Lanes | Key Cities Connected | Completion Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ganga Expressway | 594 km | 6 (expandable to 8) | Meerut, Prayagraj | 2024 |
| Yamuna Expressway | 165 km | 6 | Greater Noida, Agra | 2012 |
| Agra-Lucknow Expressway | 302 km | 6 | Agra, Lucknow | 2016 |
| Purvanchal Expressway | 340 km | 6 | Lucknow, Ghazipur | 2022 |
Each expressway serves a distinct region and caters to specific needs, but the Ganga Expressway stands out due to its length, proposed industrial corridors, and connectivity across the eastern and western parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Industrial Corridors and Economic Growth
With the Ganga Expressway, several industrial clusters and logistics hubs are planned along the route, especially near Kanpur, Shahjahanpur, and Raebareli. The proximity to these industrial zones will enable faster transportation of goods, benefiting industries like textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture.
In particular, Kanpur is positioned to benefit greatly due to its location near other major infrastructure projects, including the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC). This will create a network of transport systems connecting Uttar Pradesh to other states, further increasing industrial opportunities.
FAQs About the Ganga Expressway
1. What is the completion timeline for the Ganga Expressway?
The first phase of the expressway, from Meerut to Prayagraj, is expected to be completed by 2024.
2. Will the Ganga Expressway connect with other highways?
Yes, the expressway will connect with major highways, including the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and NH-334, enhancing regional connectivity.
3. What is the primary goal of the Ganga Expressway?
The Ganga Expressway aims to provide faster, safer travel across Uttar Pradesh, reduce traffic congestion, and promote industrial development along its route.
4. How will the expressway affect local communities?
While the expressway will necessitate land acquisition, the government has implemented an R&R policy to ensure fair compensation. The project is designed to minimize displacement.
5. Are there any environmental measures in place for the Ganga Expressway?
Yes, the project incorporates environmentally friendly practices, including the use of fly ash in construction and planting 1.9 million saplings along the route to offset the environmental impact.
Conclusion
The Ganga Expressway is set to be a transformational project for Uttar Pradesh, providing not just enhanced connectivity but also acting as a catalyst for economic development. Its focus on sustainability, industrial growth, and job creation will significantly boost the state’s economy and make Uttar Pradesh a crucial player in India’s transport and logistics sectors. As the longest expressway in the country, the Ganga Expressway will pave the way for future infrastructure development projects in India.
