The alignment of the proposed six-lane Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway has been revised once again. As per the new plan, the expressway will now pass through Gorakhpur and Kushinagar, leaving Deoria out of the route — a change that has sparked disappointment among residents of Deoria. Meanwhile, Kushinagar expects this alignment to boost tourism and trade in the region.
Earlier, the project was planned to start from Jagdishpur, a connecting point on the Gorakhpur Ring Road, passing through 23 villages in Deoria district and several villages of Tamkuhiraj tehsil in Kushinagar, before entering Gopalganj district in Bihar. In the revised alignment, the stretch between Gorakhpur and Kushinagar up to the Uttar Pradesh border is estimated to be around 86.5 km long.
According to officials, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), New Delhi, had conducted a preliminary survey in 2022 for the Gorakhpur–Deoria–Kushinagar–Siliguri route. The route had even received approval from the central government, and the land acquisition process in 23 Deoria villages was about to begin. The Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) was appointed as the CRO of Deoria.
The 23 villages initially included in the route were Belwa Pandey, Bansahiya, Chainpur, Bhiswa, Mahuawa Bajratar, Balkunwa, Madpa, Mundera alias Baluahi, Jigani Raja, Mundera alias Deurwa, Shahjahanpur, Sonbarsa, Deshi Deoria, Jaiswali, Padiyapar, Konhvalia Bhartharai, Rampur Khas, Vikram Vishunpur, Chiurha, Imlia alias Bhagwanpur, and Bhiswa Tappa Chakdeiya. The total proposed distance between Gorakhpur, Deoria, and Kushinagar then was 84 km.
Key Project Details
The Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway is one of the major projects of the Government of India, spanning about 550 km with an estimated cost of ₹37,500 crore. The expressway aims to enhance connectivity and economic activities between eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and North Bengal. Its design ensures minimal turns for high-speed travel and efficient transport.
Voices from Deoria
Residents of Deoria expressed deep disappointment over being excluded from the expressway’s new route.
“Not including Deoria in the proposed expressway is unfortunate. If it had passed through our district, travel to northeastern states would have been easier,” said Markandeya Rao from Deshi Deoria.
“We were happy when we heard the expressway would pass near our village, but now we are disappointed. Our representatives should push to include Deoria,” said Dharmendra Rao from Balkunwa.
“The expressway would have accelerated development in this region. This sudden change has left us disheartened. It should pass through Deoria,” added Siddhant from Deshi Deoria.
Confirming the new route, Lalit Pratap Pal, Project Director, NHAI Gorakhpur Project Implementation Unit, stated:
“The proposed Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway will now pass through Gorakhpur and Kushinagar. Deoria is not included in the new alignment.”
The realignment marks a major shift in the government’s infrastructure planning, promising progress for some areas while leaving others disappointed.
