Tragedy Strikes on Under-Construction Ganga Expressway in Rae Bareli
A devastating hit-and-run incident on the yet-to-be-opened Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli district has left four girls dead and five others critically injured. The accident occurred on Sunday evening in the Jagatpur area, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated infrastructure project.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to the Rae Bareli police, the victims were returning on foot after attending a bhandara (community feast) in the neighboring Chuli village. A speeding car, coming from the opposite direction, struck the group of nine girls from Kodar village on the expressway stretch. Local residents immediately rushed to the scene and transported the injured to a nearby hospital, where four girls, including three adults, were declared dead on arrival.
The remaining five victims, all below 18 years of age, are undergoing treatment, with doctors describing their condition as critical. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the vehicle is registered in the Kaushambi district. After hitting the victims, the car lost control and crashed into a wall, sustaining significant damage. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene, prompting a manhunt by authorities.
Police Response and Investigation
Senior administrative and police officers arrived at the accident site promptly to initiate an investigation. Ravi Kumar, Superintendent of Police for Rae Bareli, emphasized that the stretch of the Ganga Expressway passing through Jagatpur remains closed to public traffic. He confirmed that the vehicle has been seized and efforts are underway to trace and arrest the driver.
The police noted that the community feast was organized by Dal Bahadur, a resident of Chuli village, and attracted attendees from nearby areas. The nine girls from Kodar village were among those who participated in the event, highlighting the close-knit nature of the local communities affected by this tragedy.
Background on the Ganga Expressway Project
The 594-kilometer, six-lane Ganga Expressway, connecting Meerut and Prayagraj, is nearly complete and awaiting inauguration. Built at a cost of Rs 36,230 crore over four years, this major infrastructure project provides east-to-west connectivity across 12 districts and covers 518 villages. Officials stated that only minor works and trial runs remain, with the project expected to be inaugurated after February 15.
Key features of the expressway include:
- 14 major bridges
- 7 railway overbridges
- 32 flyovers
- 453 underpasses
This project marks Uttar Pradesh's fifth major expressway initiative, aimed at boosting regional development and transportation efficiency. However, this tragic incident underscores the importance of strict safety protocols during construction phases to prevent unauthorized access and ensure public safety.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on apprehending the driver and reviewing security measures on the expressway to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The community mourns the loss of young lives while hoping for the recovery of the injured victims.
