Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, praised the naming of the Ganga Expressway after the Ganga River, announcing its extension to Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The new 594-kilometer greenfield corridor connects Prayagraj and Meerut. During the inauguration ceremony, Modi stated that the government would also work on a linking expressway to Farrukhabad, integrating it with other highways.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Modi described it as a representation of the “double-engine government” and emphasized its dual focus on development (“vikas”) and heritage (“virasat”). He remarked that rapid infrastructure development is essential for propelling India’s growth. The Ganga Expressway, he noted, was constructed in less than five years since its foundation stone was laid in 2021.
“This is the style and pace of work of the double-engine government,” Modi asserted while discussing the quick turnaround of the construction. He characterized the expressway as a “teertha,” or sacred place, claiming it will become a critical lifeline for Uttar Pradesh’s development, creating new economic opportunities. The corridor is expected not only to enable faster travel but to serve as a gateway for industrial growth and job creation.
Modi criticized past administrations for delaying projects while highlighting that foundational plaques were often set during electoral periods without resulting construction. He called attention to the challenges faced by farmers in storage and transportation, asserting that efforts will now be made to increase their incomes.
New industrial corridors are anticipated to emerge along the Ganga Expressway. Modi contrasted the current government’s initiatives with previous ones, stating that the previous administration did not even consider the establishment of industrial zones in regions like Hardoi.
Additionally, the Prime Minister noted that Uttar Pradesh, once labeled a “BIMARU” state, is now aiming to become a $1 trillion economy. The achievement of this ambitious goal would require extensive preparation. Modi concluded by stating that the economic development of Uttar Pradesh is increasingly tied to India’s overall strategic strength, pointing out that the state has transitioned from being marked by poor roads to now having the highest number of expressways in the country.
