PM inaugurates 594-km Ganga Expressway; Adani Group anchors investment push aligned with Viksit Bharat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the 594-km Ganga Expressway, one of India’s biggest greenfield expressway projects, aimed at transforming connectivity between western and eastern Uttar Pradesh while strengthening the country’s logistics network.

The six-lane access-controlled expressway, expandable to eight lanes, connects Meerut in western Uttar Pradesh to Prayagraj in the eastern region. The mega corridor has been completed in less than three and a half years and is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve freight movement, and accelerate industrial development across the state.

With the opening of the expressway, travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj is expected to come down from nearly 11 hours to around 6 hours. Officials also estimate fuel savings of approximately 30 percent, offering major relief to commuters and transporters.

Big Push to Logistics and Economy

The expressway is expected to play a crucial role in reducing logistics costs and improving supply chain efficiency. According to Uttar Pradesh government estimates, the project could generate annual logistics savings of ₹25,000 crore to ₹30,000 crore.

It is also projected to create nearly 3 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities over the next decade and contribute over ₹1 lakh crore to the state’s GDP through industrial expansion, trade growth, and improved connectivity.

Adani Group Develops Major Portion

The project was developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA).

Adani Road Transport Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, developed 464 km of the expressway, accounting for nearly 80 percent of the total corridor. The remaining 130 km was developed by IRB Infrastructure.

Strategic and Safety Features

A 3.5-km stretch in Shahjahanpur district has been developed as an Emergency Landing Facility for the Indian Air Force, adding strategic defence value to the project.

The expressway is also equipped with AI-enabled camera systems to enhance road safety through real-time monitoring and advanced alerts to help prevent accidents.

Connectivity Across 12 Districts

The corridor passes through 12 districts and 519 villages, benefiting an estimated population of over 8 crore people. It is expected to strengthen links between industrial zones, agricultural hubs, defence manufacturing centres, and logistics parks.

Industrial Corridors and Tourism Growth

The Uttar Pradesh government is also planning 11 industrial corridors along the route across districts including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj.

In addition, the expressway is expected to boost spiritual and tourism circuits by improving access to key destinations such as Garhmukteshwar, Kalkidham, Belhadevi, Chandrika Shakti Peeth, and Triveni Sangam.

Aligned with National Infrastructure Vision

The Ganga Expressway is aligned with the Centre’s PM Gati Shakti initiative, Bharatmala programme, and National Infrastructure Pipeline, reinforcing India’s push for world-class transport infrastructure and faster economic growth.