With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to inaugurate the 594-km Ganga Expressway on April 29 in Hardoi, Srihari Pratap Shahi, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), speaks to ETGovernment’s Arpit Gupta on the scale, impact and future potential of one of India’s largest infrastructure projects.
Edited excerpts:
The Ganga Expressway is being seen as a landmark project. What makes it so significant for Uttar Pradesh?
The Ganga Expressway is not just another road project—it is a transformative economic corridor. Spanning 594 km from Meerut to Prayagraj, it connects western and eastern Uttar Pradesh seamlessly. It starts from Bijoli village in Meerut and ends near Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj. The expressway will directly benefit 12 major districts including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj. A total of 519 villages are connected through this project, accelerating economic activities in both rural and urban areas. This level of connectivity will significantly reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities across regions that were previously less integrated.
Can you walk us through the key technical and structural features of the expressway?
The expressway has been developed as a six-lane access-controlled corridor, expandable to eight lanes in the future. It has been designed for a speed of 120 km per hour, ensuring fast and safe travel. We have built robust infrastructure along the route, including 9 wayside amenities, 2 main toll plazas at Meerut and Prayagraj, and 19 ramp toll plazas . There are also major bridges about 960 metres over the Ganga and 720 metres over the Ramganga rivers, which are critical engineering achievements. Additionally, a 3.5-km airstrip has been developed in Shahjahanpur for emergency landing of aircraft, adding a strategic dimension to the project .The project has been executed in a relatively short timeframe. What enabled this pace?
Speed of execution came from strong political will, efficient project structuring, and close monitoring at every stage. After cabinet approval in November 2020, the project was taken up on priority. We divided the expressway into four construction groups, involving leading infrastructure developers such as IRB Infrastructure and Adani Infrastructure, along with reputed EPC contractors . This parallel execution model ensured timely progress without compromising quality.
What kind of economic impact do you expect once the expressway becomes operational?
The economic impact will be substantial. The expressway will reduce logistics costs, making industries more competitive and encouraging fresh investments. It will act as a backbone for industrial corridors and warehousing hubs along the route. Farmers will benefit significantly as faster transport will reduce wastage and improve price realisation for perishable goods. It will also generate employment opportunities, both during construction and through long-term industrial development.
Uttar Pradesh already has a strong expressway network. How does this project strengthen that position?
Uttar Pradesh already accounts for over half of India’s expressway network. With the Ganga Expressway, this share will rise to nearly 60%, reinforcing the state’s position as the country’s leading expressway hub. More importantly, this project complements existing corridors like the Purvanchal and Bundelkhand expressways, creating a grid of high-speed connectivity across the state.
What does the inauguration mean for regional connectivity and social development?
The inauguration marks a historic moment for Uttar Pradesh. By linking Meerut to Prayagraj, we are bridging western and eastern UP—two regions with distinct economic profiles. This will lead to balanced regional development. Improved connectivity will also boost religious tourism, especially to Prayagraj, and enhance access to education, healthcare and markets for millions of people.
How do you see the Ganga Expressway shaping the future of Uttar Pradesh?
The Ganga Expressway is a foundation for the “New Uttar Pradesh.” It is not just about faster travel, it is about creating an ecosystem for growth. From industrial expansion to rural upliftment, from tourism to logistics, this project will play a defining role in positioning Uttar Pradesh among India’s top economic engines.
