Hardoi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway in Hardoi district, describing the ambitious infrastructure project as a “new lifeline” for the development of Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing a large public gathering, the Prime Minister drew a parallel between the historic and cultural significance of the Ganga River and the transformative potential of the expressway. “For thousands of years, the Ganga has been the lifeline of Uttar Pradesh. In the same way, this expressway will energise the state’s economy and accelerate its journey towards development,” he said.
Emphasising the role of world-class infrastructure in India’s growth story, Modi said projects such as the Ganga Expressway reflect the government’s commitment to building a modern and self-reliant nation. He noted that improved connectivity would reduce travel time and logistics costs, thereby enhancing industrial competitiveness and benefiting farmers.
Developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority, the expressway will connect western, central and eastern Uttar
Pradesh through a high-speed corridor. Once fully operational, it is set to become the longest expressway in the state, reducing travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj from nearly 12 hours to about six hours.
Passing through 12 districts—Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj—the corridor is expected to spur industrial growth, facilitate agricultural trade and improve market access. The Prime Minister highlighted its role in promoting balanced regional development by integrating less-developed districts with key economic centres.
A notable feature of the project is a 3.5-km-long airstrip in Shahjahanpur, designed for emergency operations by the Indian Air Force, adding strategic importance to the expressway.
Highlighting employment generation, Modi said the project would create substantial direct and indirect job opportunities across sectors such as construction, logistics, warehousing and tourism. He added that enhanced connectivity would encourage investments in industrial clusters, food processing units and rural enterprises along the route.
The Prime Minister also said the expressway could be extended to Haridwar in the future to further improve connectivity.
Referring to the broader economic context, Modi said India continues to progress steadily despite global uncertainties. He asserted that while many parts of the world face instability, India is moving rapidly on the path of development.
In a political remark, Modi criticised the Samajwadi Party, calling it “anti-development” and “anti-women”. He alleged that the party opposed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament and accused it of supporting elements that insult the people of Uttar Pradesh.
Targeting the party on the issue of law and order, the Prime Minister said previous Samajwadi Party governments had given the state a reputation of “jungle raj” dominated by mafia elements. In contrast, he claimed Uttar Pradesh is now being cited as an example of improved governance and effective law enforcement.
Referring to the ongoing polling in West Bengal, Modi described it as a “festival of democracy” and expressed satisfaction over reports of high voter turnout.
The Ganga Expressway forms part of a broader push by the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government to strengthen infrastructure. The Prime Minister reiterated that such initiatives are crucial for achieving the vision of a $5 trillion economy and ensuring inclusive growth
Uttar Pradesh chief minister yogi Adityanath said.the expressway connects Western and Eastern UP, passing through 12 districts, and includes a 3.5 km emergency landing facility in Shahjahanpur.
Emphasized that the expressway will bring investment, boost industrial manufacturing, and generate.
At the time Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben PateI,
Central and state Minsters , Bharathi janta party leaders and a large number of party activist
Attend the Ganga Expressway in migration programme.