Construction of the 594-km Ganga Expressway from Meerut to Prayagraj is almost complete, with only a small portion of work pending in the Unnao–Haldwani section of the third phase. According to the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), 1,497 out of 1,498 major structures on the expressway have already been completed. Officials expect to conduct trial runs in the first week of December, after which the project is likely to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister in January 2026.
The expressway—one of the longest in India—is expected to significantly boost industrial development across several districts, including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj.
Final-Stage Work Almost Complete
In the Meerut–Badaun section alone, 322 major structures have been completed across 129 kilometres. The only remaining work was at the railway track in Simbhavali, which officials confirmed has now been finished. A detailed report has already been sent to UPEIDA, clearing the way for final trials.
Authorities said that a departmental trial will first be conducted in the presence of experts, followed by the official trial run. The final inauguration date will then be announced based on government approval.
Emergency Landing Facilities Ready
Five locations along the expressway have been reinforced to allow fighter aircraft to land during emergencies. A 3.5-kilometre airstrip has already been completed at Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur, and preparations are underway to develop three additional sites for similar use.
Major Boost to Connectivity and Industry
Once operational, the six-lane expressway—expandable to eight lanes—will reduce travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj to just six hours. Industrial corridors being developed along both sides of the expressway are expected to attract new investments and create employment opportunities.
The project, worth ₹36,230 crore, required the acquisition of 7,453 hectares of land. UPEIDA officials also confirmed that work is underway to extend the expressway further up to Haridwar.
Trial in December, Inauguration in January
According to Sandeep Kumar, ADM, “The construction work of the Ganga Expressway is nearly complete. We aim to finish the trial in December and hold the inauguration in January. Our report on readiness will be submitted to the government within the first week of December.”
Once open, the expressway will become a crucial high-speed corridor offering smooth and time-saving connectivity across the state, boosting travel, trade, and economic growth in the region.
