PM Modi launches 594-km Ganga Expressway linking Meerut to Prayagraj

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, describing the project as a major infrastructure corridor that would boost connectivity, investment, employment and economic growth across the state.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the access-controlled greenfield expressway in Hardoi district in the presence of Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel, chief minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior leaders.

Connecting Meerut to Prayagraj, the six-lane expressway, which can be expanded to eight lanes, passes through 12 districts — Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj.

Addressing the gathering, Modi said the project would transform connectivity and development in Uttar Pradesh.

“This transformative infrastructure project will boost connectivity and drive progress across Uttar Pradesh,” the Prime Minister said.

Drawing a parallel between the river Ganga and the new corridor, Modi said, “Just as Maa Ganga has been the lifeline of UP and this country for thousands of years, similarly, in this era of modern progress, this expressway passing near her, will become the new lifeline of UP’s development.”

He added, “Recently, I had the opportunity to dedicate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to the nation. I had then remarked that these emerging expressways are the lifelines shaping the destiny of a developing India, and these modern pathways are today heralding India’s bright future.”

The Prime Minister said the expressway would strengthen links between western, central and eastern Uttar Pradesh while opening up economic opportunities.

“Ganga Expressway will not only connect one end of UP to the other, it will also bring limitless possibilities of the NCR closer,” he said.

Modi said the project would improve market access for farmers and strengthen industrial activity along the corridor. He noted that industrial clusters are being developed in districts along the expressway to attract sectors including pharmaceuticals, textiles, handlooms, leather goods and handicrafts.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway in Hardoi. This transformative infrastructure project will boost connectivity and drive progress across Uttar Pradesh. https://t.co/UoFCdwSRmO

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2026

“This will increase our farmers’ income,” he said while referring to improved logistics and connectivity.

The Prime Minister also said the expressway would support small industries and MSMEs backed by schemes such as Mudra Yojana and ODOP (One District One Product).

“All these will reach domestic and international markets on a large scale. This will increase the income of millions of families,” Modi said.

Calling Uttar Pradesh central to India’s economic ambitions, Modi said the state was moving towards becoming a trillion-dollar economy.

Highlighting industrial growth in the state, he referred to mobile manufacturing, semiconductor development in Noida and the defence corridor in Uttar Pradesh.

“UP’s industrial development is today becoming a strategic strength for India,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the expansion of airport infrastructure in the state, saying Uttar Pradesh now has 21 operational airports, including five international airports.

Referring to law and order in the state, Modi said Uttar Pradesh had moved away from its earlier image associated with crime and lawlessness.

“Now, UP’s law and order is cited as an example throughout the country,” he said.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the expressway would give fresh momentum to the state’s development journey.

In a post on X, Adityanath described the corridor as a “lifeline” connecting villages, farmers, entrepreneurs and youth. He said the expressway would help accelerate development and reduce distances across the state.

Union minister and BJP Uttar Pradesh president Pankaj Chaudhary said the Ganga Expressway was among the longest expressways in the country and called it a major addition to the state’s modern infrastructure network.

Developed under the public-private partnership model, the expressway has been built with a design speed of 120 kmph.

One of the key features of the project is a 3.2-km-long airstrip near Shahjahanpur designed for emergency landing of Air Force aircraft.

The corridor has also been equipped with an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), CCTV surveillance, emergency call boxes, ambulances and patrolling units.

Authorities said integrated manufacturing and logistics clusters are being developed along the route, including warehouses, cold storage units and food processing hubs aimed at attracting investment and generating employment.

The Ganga Expressway will also connect with other major expressways, including the Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow, Bundelkhand and Gorakhpur Link expressways, creating a larger road network across Uttar Pradesh.

Officials said the project is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities and contribute to Uttar Pradesh’s goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy.