Ganga Expressway Poised for Late March Launch with PM Modi's Inauguration Expected
In a significant infrastructure development, the 594-kilometer-long Ganga Expressway is poised to be opened for vehicular traffic in the final week of March. The Uttar Pradesh government is making final preparations and plans to formally invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate this ambitious project. Senior officials from the Expressways Industrial Development Authority have confirmed that the ceremonial flag-off is anticipated to occur between March 25 and March 31.
Strategic Timeline and Financial Planning
The authority is targeting an operational start date of April 1, aligning with the commencement of the 2026-27 financial year to immediately bolster its revenue streams. This expressway, constructed with a budget exceeding Rs 36,200 crore, saw its foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Modi in December 2021, following which extensive civil construction work commenced.
Route and Strategic Connectivity
The six-lane carriageway will originate from Bijoli village in Meerut and terminate at Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj. These locations were strategically selected to create a wide catchment area, attracting vehicle owners from various parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Bijoli is situated near the Meerut-Hapur highway, while Judapur Dandu is adjacent to the Phaphamau-Pratapgarh highway, enhancing regional connectivity.
Final Preparations and Infrastructure Readiness
Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), Srihari Pratap Shahi, stated, "We have already initiated trials of the toll management system at various exit points. Professionals were deployed to evaluate the ride quality of the carriageways and the smoothness of the road pavement. We plan to permit motor vehicle movement on the stretch by April 1 at the latest. The final decision will be made after consultations with senior government officials."
The construction companies responsible for the project, which was divided into four packages, have successfully met all milestones set by the state government. "A total of 1,498 structures of various types were required, and all have been completed and are ready to handle motor vehicle traffic," the officer added, underscoring the project's readiness.
This expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj, fostering economic growth and improving transportation efficiency in the region. The state government's proactive approach in inviting the Prime Minister highlights the project's national importance and its potential impact on Uttar Pradesh's infrastructure landscape.
