Hardoi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (April 29) inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway, a mega infrastructure project connecting Meerut
to Prayagraj. The project will reportedly reduce the travel time from Meerut to Prayagraj from 11 hours to six hours. The PM reached Hardoi district around noon and inaugurated the expressway with the touch of a button in the presence of Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among others. Speaking at the event in Hardoi, PM Modi called the expressway the "lifeline" of Uttar Pradesh and India. "Just as Maa Ganga has been the lifeline of Uttar Pradesh and the nation for thousands of years, in this era of modern progress, this expressway passing alongside her will become a new lifeline of development for Uttar Pradesh," the Prime MInister said after inaugurating the expressway.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Ganga Expressway in Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh
The Ganga Expressway in Hardoi district. The Ganga Expressway is a 594-kilometre-long, 6-lane (expandable to 8 lanes), access-controlled greenfield high-speed corridor, built… pic.twitter.com/aU1KpcqMgD— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2026
During his address, PM Modi also talked about the West Bengal elections. "This is also special for the festival of democracy. The second phase of voting in currently underway in Bengal and the reports suggest that people are voting in large numbers like the first phase. Pictures of people standing in long queues are filled in social media. What could not be done in the last 7-8 decades is happening now. People are coming out in large numbers to cast their vote fearlessly," he said.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Miister Yogi Adityanath thanked PM MOdi for the project. "Prime Minister, today, in line with your grand vision, a major milestone related to one of the country’s largest expressways, the Ganga Expressway, is set to be completed through this programme. Revered Maa Ganga, the divine and purifying river, flows alongside this grand project, which aims to touch new heights and give a fresh boost to Uttar Pradesh’s economic expansion," the UP CM said.
Also Read: The 594Km Game Changer: Why Upcoming Ganga Expressway is UP’s $1 Trillion Key
"The foundation stone of this expressway was laid by you in December 2021, and today, with your hands, its grand inauguration is taking place. On this occasion, I would like to say that the Ganga Expressway is set to become the backbone of Uttar Pradesh’s economy. By bringing your vision onto the ground, this grand inauguration marks a significant moment. On this sacred land associated with the devotion of Prahlad and the incarnation of Lord Narasimha, I extend my heartfelt welcome and greetings to you," he added.
Key Details Of The Expressway:
Built at a cost of Rs 36,230 crore, the 594-km expressway is of six lanes (expandable to eight). It is designed for the maximum speed of 120 kmph. Coving 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh, the expressway will reduce travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj to only six hours. Earlier, it was 11 hours.
The expressway passes through Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj. The Ganga Expressway is being developed as an economic corridor, not just a road. The Uttar Pradesh government has planned 12 Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Clusters (IMLCs) along the route.
A special 3.5-km airstrip has been built in Shahjahanpur. It can be used for emergency landings by fighter aircraft, giving the expressway strategic defence importance as well.
