Over 100,000 farmers provided land for the Ganga Expressway, reinforcing infrastructure and employment prospects in Uttar Pradesh.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the contributions of farmers during the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway, a 594-kilometre infrastructure project in Uttar Pradesh. He acknowledged that more than 100,000 farmers from various districts played a vital role by providing their land for the construction of the expressway, which connects Meerut to Prayagraj. Speaking at the event in Mallawan Nagar Palika, Hardoi, Adityanath stated, “Expressways in our state are not merely about improved connectivity; they also align with significant industrial ventures like the Defence Manufacturing Corridor.” He emphasized that the advancements in infrastructure are critical for enhancing agricultural productivity, creating employment for young people, and preserving cultural heritage.
The foundation for the Ganga Expressway was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2021, and Adityanath highlighted that the expressway’s timely completion reflects the government’s dedication to infrastructure development. “More than one lakh farmers across 12 districts contributed land for this expressway. I extend my gratitude to all the ‘annadata’ farmers whose support has made this project a reality,” he said.
At the inauguration event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked on the expressway’s potential to transform the state’s economy. Alongside the roadway, 27 integrated industrial clusters and logistics hubs are planned, aimed at enhancing investment and job opportunities. The initiative will also reinforce the connectivity across the state.
Adityanath disclosed that around 18,000 acres of land had been acquired from farmers for the expressway, with an additional nearly 7,000 acres set aside for future industrial developments. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all projects initiated would be completed efficiently.
During the inauguration ceremony, Adityanath acknowledged Hardoi’s significance as a spiritual centre linked to the devotee Prahlad, underscoring the event’s historical importance at such a revered location. He commended the Prime Minister’s vision during the challenging Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to rapid development progress in the state.
“Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh faced challenges of violence and poor governance, making progress seem unattainable,” Adityanath noted, claiming that in the past nine years, the government has expanded the state’s expressway and road network to nearly 400,000 kilometres. This includes enhancing inter-state connectivity and ensuring that district headquarters are connected by four-lane roads.
As part of the ongoing infrastructure enhancements, the inauguration of the rapid rail service between Delhi and Meerut was also acknowledged. Adityanath stated that such initiatives signify the state’s transformation and portray the double engine government’s effectiveness.
In addition to the construction of the Ganga Expressway, the Chief Minister pointed out the visible state improvements through expressways, rapid railways, inland waterways, metro systems, and specialised freight railway corridors. He reaffirmed that these advancements are indicative of the government’s developmental strategies. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, among others.
