The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a directive to the developers of the Meerut-Prayagraj Ganga Expressway, urging them to complete the 595-kilometer project by December 2024, with the aim of opening it to the public prior to the 2025 Prayagraj MahaKumbh Mela. This flagship project, with a projected cost exceeding Rs 36,000 crore, was initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
To expedite the construction, the state has granted permission for the utilization of fly ash to address the shortage of soil resources in the building process. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint but also offers an environmentally-friendly disposal solution.
The greenfield expressway is anticipated to facilitate faster transportation for passengers and cargo, stimulate the development of industrial corridors, enhance agricultural marketing value chains, and boost tourism along its route. Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, the Minister of Industrial Development in Uttar Pradesh, has instructed officials to enhance equipment and workforce resources for this project.
He emphasized that the expressway is a cherished project of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and any delays in its construction would not be tolerated, as mentioned during a progress review meeting.
The minister further explained that the expressway would greatly ease travel during the Mahakumbh Mela, which is projected to attract nearly 400 million tourists. The state has allocated a budget of Rs 6,800 crore for the Mela.
This public-private partnership (PPP) initiative will traverse through 12 districts, including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahar, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj. The Ganga Expressway, an access-controlled six-lane highway that can be expanded to eight lanes, has been segmented into four groups, each consisting of three packages, totaling 12 packages.
