The Ganga Expressway is a significant infrastructure project aimed at greatly improving connectivity across Uttar Pradesh. It will be one of India’s longest expressways, connecting the eastern and western parts of the state.
This expressway will stretch 594 kilometers as a six-lane greenfield expressway, with plans to expand it to eight lanes in the future. It will start from Meerut in western Uttar Pradesh and extend to Prayagraj in the east.
The foundation stone for this project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021. The project is divided into two phases: in the first phase, the expressway will connect Meerut to Prayagraj, while the second phase involves the expansion of the expressway’s lanes.
The Ganga Expressway’s primary goal is to spur economic development by enabling faster, more efficient transportation. Once completed, the travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj is expected to be reduced to approximately 10 hours, significantly cutting down the current travel times via existing routes.
The expressway will pass through key districts in Uttar Pradesh, such as Hapur, Amroha, Bulandshahr, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, and Pratapgarh, linking local economies and promoting regional development. The expressway’s speed limit is set at 120 km/h.
Built under the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model, the Ganga Expressway will be managed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). The project, which costs approximately ₹37,350 crores, including land acquisition, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, ahead of the Kumbh Mela 2025.
This expressway will be equipped with modern facilities, including service roads, rest areas, toll plazas, and underpasses, ensuring safe and smooth travel. It will also support tourism by providing better access to religious and historical sites along the Ganges River.
Key Overview
- Total Cost: ₹37,350 crores, including land acquisition
- Length: 594 km
- Foundation: Laid by PM Narendra Modi on December 18, 2021
- Completion Date: By the end of 2024, before Kumbh Mela 2025
- Route: Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, Prayagraj
- Management: Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority
- Status: Under Construction
- Project Model: DBFOT
Benefits of the Ganga Expressway
- Enhanced Connectivity
The expressway will significantly improve connectivity between western and eastern Uttar Pradesh, reducing travel time and improving road transport efficiency. - Economic Growth
By connecting vital districts, the expressway will stimulate economic growth, encouraging industrial development and attracting investments along its route. - Agricultural and Rural Development
Rural areas will have improved access to urban markets, boosting farmers’ incomes and fostering rural infrastructure development. - Tourism Promotion
The expressway will provide better access to numerous cultural, historical, and religious sites, promoting tourism and leading to the development of supporting infrastructure like hotels and service stations.
Real Estate Impact
The Ganga Expressway is expected to significantly impact the real estate market along its route. Improved connectivity will lead to increased demand for residential, commercial, and industrial properties, driving up land and property values. Additionally, the development of industrial hubs and logistics parks along the expressway will attract businesses and boost local economies.
Contractor List
The construction work for Phase 1 of the Ganga Expressway has been divided into 12 packages, with contractors like Adani Enterprises and IRB Infrastructure handling the different sections of the expressway.
- Package 1: Meerut to Hapur – IRB Infrastructure
- Package 2: Hapur to Amroha – IRB Infrastructure
- Package 3: Amroha to Budaun – IRB Infrastructure
- Package 4: Budaun to Shahjahanpur – Adani Enterprises
- Package 5-12: Various sections from Shahjahanpur to Prayagraj – Adani Enterprises
FAQs
- How many districts does the Ganga Expressway pass through?
The expressway passes through 12 districts, including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj. - What is the speed limit of the Ganga Expressway?
The speed limit is 120 km/h. - What is the total cost of the Ganga Expressway?
The estimated cost of Phase 1 is ₹37,350 crores. - How many lanes does the Ganga Expressway have?
It will be a six-lane expressway, expandable to eight lanes. - Who is building the Ganga Expressway?
Adani Enterprises and IRB Infrastructure are responsible for its construction. - What is the total length of the Ganga Expressway?
The expressway spans 594 kilometers.