Lagatar24 Desk
Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 594-km Ganga Expressway, now the longest expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The new high-speed corridor will significantly improve connectivity between Meerut and Prayagraj.
Major Travel Time Reduction
The biggest benefit of the expressway is reduced travel time. The journey between Meerut and Prayagraj, which earlier took around 10 to 12 hours, is now expected to take only about 6 to 7 hours.
Project Cost and Speed Limit
Built at an estimated cost of Rs 36,230 crore, the six-lane access-controlled expressway has been designed for speeds of up to 120 kmph. It can also be expanded to eight lanes in the future.
Route and Districts Covered
The expressway runs from Bijoli village in Meerut to Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj. It passes through 12 districts: Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj.
More than 500 villages are expected to benefit directly from the project.
Facilities and Connectivity
The corridor includes 21 interchanges linking it with national and state highways. It also features major bridges over the Ganga and Ramganga rivers.
Nine utility complexes with fuel stations, rest areas and food courts will support travellers.
Strategic Airstrip Feature
A 3.5-km emergency landing strip has been built in Shahjahanpur district and tested by the Indian Air Force, adding strategic defence value to the project.
Toll System
The expressway will operate on a toll-based PPP model. Final toll rates are yet to be announced, though they are expected to be similar to other UP expressways.
