Uttar Pradesh Government Greenlights New Expressway Project

New Expressway to Enhance Connectivity

The Uttar Pradesh government has given the green light for a new controlled-entry greenfield expressway that will link the Agra-Lucknow and Purvanchal Expressways. This six-lane expressway is set to be constructed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 4,776 crore, aiming to facilitate faster, more convenient, and time-efficient regional travel.

As reported, this expressway will create a direct route from Ballia to Delhi, shortening the distance to around 900 kilometers.

The project received approval during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. State Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' stated that this new route will be a vital addition to Uttar Pradesh's expanding expressway network, which will connect existing and planned corridors, including Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, Ganga (currently under construction), Bundelkhand, and Gorakhpur Link Expressways. This development will significantly ease travel between major cities such as Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ghazipur.

Minister Nandi also highlighted that the project is expected to create both direct and indirect job opportunities. The expressway will span a total length of 49.96 km and will initially be built with six lanes, with the potential to expand to eight lanes in the future. The construction will follow the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) model.

He emphasized that this network aims to enhance connectivity across all regions of the state, providing improved transportation facilities that will boost logistics and regional development.

Agra-Lucknow Expressway Overview

The Agra-Lucknow Expressway serves as a crucial link between the capital city of Lucknow and the historic city of Agra. Stretching 302.22 km, it was developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) and inaugurated on November 21, 2016, making it one of India's longest expressways.

Purvanchal Expressway Significance

The Purvanchal Expressway is another significant project that connects the eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh to Lucknow. This expressway has greatly simplified and expedited travel within eastern UP and its neighboring areas. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 16, 2021.