PM Modi Inaugurates Ganga Expressway, Aims to Transform Uttar Pradesh's Connectivity
Inauguration of Ganga Expressway
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ganga Expressway, a 594-kilometer access-controlled greenfield project located in Mallawan, Hardoi. During his address at the public gathering, he expressed his delight that the Uttar Pradesh government has named the expressway after Mother Ganga.
The Ganga Expressway is a six-lane, high-speed corridor constructed at an estimated cost of ₹36,230 crores. It is expected to reduce travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj from the current 10-12 hours to approximately 6 hours.
This expressway connects 12 districts: Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj, facilitating faster and safer transportation of goods and people.
PM Modi remarked that just as Mother Ganga has been a lifeline for Uttar Pradesh and the nation for thousands of years, this expressway will serve as a new lifeline for the state's development in this era of modern progress.
He emphasized that the Ganga Expressway not only connects one end of Uttar Pradesh to the other but also brings the vast potential of the NCR closer. Modi noted that the days of waiting decades for a road project are over. Once announced, projects are now completed in a timely manner.
Praising the current BJP government, he stated that under the double-engine government, both the foundation stone and the inauguration occur as scheduled. He recalled the recent inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, describing new expressways as the modern lifelines of a developing India.
Modi expressed his happiness that the expressway is named after Mother Ganga, reflecting both the vision of development and the heritage of the region. He congratulated the people of Uttar Pradesh on the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway.
Attacking the Samajwadi Party, he claimed that they cannot rise above nepotism and casteism, and will always engage in anti-development politics. He urged the people of Uttar Pradesh to remain cautious of the SP and its allies.
He pointed out that recently, the country witnessed the anti-women stance of the Congress and SP. Modi mentioned that the NDA government had proposed the Nari Shakti Vandan amendment, which would have provided women with reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies starting from the 2029 elections. However, the SP voted against this amendment.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Uttar Pradesh, once labeled as backward and sick, is now on the path to becoming a trillion-dollar economy. He noted the immense potential of the state's large youth population and how this strength is being harnessed to transform Uttar Pradesh into a manufacturing hub.
Modi remarked on the global turmoil, stating that while many countries are struggling, India continues to progress steadily. He acknowledged that some individuals within the country are attempting to undermine India's growth due to their hunger for power. Nevertheless, India remains secure and is achieving new milestones in development, with the Ganga Expressway being a significant step in this direction.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mentioned that PM Modi laid the foundation stone for this expressway in December 2021. He credited the Prime Minister for providing the vision to advance this project and complete it within the stipulated timeframe, showcasing a new India that simplifies transportation and elevates the economy.
Incident in Jharkhand
In a separate incident, two journalists were assaulted in Jharkhand on Tuesday. Allegedly, supporters of the state's health minister and Congress leader Irfan Ansari carried out the attack after the journalists posed questions that were not well-received.