Ganga Expressway 2025: UP’s Rs 36,000 Crore Mega Project

The Ganga Expressway, one of Uttar Pradesh’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, is set to transform connectivity and economic growth in the state. With a budget of Rs 36,000 crores, this 594-km six-lane expressway will connect Meerut to Prayagraj, passing through 12 districts and 519 villages. The project, expected to be operational by March or April 2025, will enhance road connectivity and serve as an emergency airstrip and boost industrial and real estate development along its route.

1. Key Highlights of the Ganga Expressway

• Length: 594 km (expandable to eight lanes)
• Cost: Rs 36,000 crores (including land acquisition)
• Speed Limit: 120 kmph
• Major Cities Connected: Meerut, Bulandshahr, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, Prayagraj, and Varanasi
• Managed By: Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA)
• Project Model: Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT)

2. Project Timeline and Progress

• Foundation Stone Laid: December 18, 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Current Status: Over 80% of construction completed; expected to open by November 2025
• Land Acquisition: 90% completed, with 7,386 hectares acquired from 71,621 farmers
• Delays: Due to GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR areas like Meerut, Hapur, and Bulandshahr

3. Route and Connectivity

The Ganga Expressway will be constructed in two phases:

Phase 1: Meerut to Prayagraj (594 km)

• Districts Covered: Meerut, Hapur, Amroha, Bulandshahr, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj
• Key Features:
  • Bridges: 960-meter bridge over the Ganga and 720-meter bridge over the Ramganga
  • Airstrip: Near Shahjahanpur for emergency landings
  • Public Utilities: 9 convenience centers, 381 underpasses, 14 major bridges, and 28 flyovers

Phase 2: Extension to Uttarakhand Border (400 km)

• The expressway will extend from Garhmukteshwar (Hapur) to the Uttarakhand border near Haridwar.

4. Economic and Real Estate Impact

The Ganga Expressway is expected to be a game-changer for Uttar Pradesh’s economy, contributing to the state’s goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy. Here’s how it will impact various sectors:

1. Industrial Development

• Industrial Clusters: Pharma parks, textile parks, and food processing units will be developed along the expressway.
• SEZs (Special Economic Zones): Planned to attract investments and boost manufacturing.

2. Real Estate Growth

• Residential Demand: Cities like Meerut, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Varanasi will see a surge in housing demand due to improved connectivity.
• Commercial Spaces: Increased demand for retail and office spaces in towns along the route.
• Property Rates: Expected to rise in key areas:
  • Meerut: Rs 5,200/sqft
  • Prayagraj: Rs 7,300/sqft
  • Varanasi: Rs 7,100/sqft

3. Tourism Boost

• The expressway will improve connectivity to religious and tourist hubs like Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Haridwar, attracting more visitors.

5. Toll Rates and Vehicle Permits

The Ganga Expressway will have two main toll plazas (Meerut and Prayagraj) and 15 ramp toll plazas. Toll rates for vehicles are as follows:

Vehicle Type	One-Way Pass	Return Pass	Monthly Pass
Cars/Vans	Rs 145	Rs 200	Rs 4,905
Buses/Trucks	Rs 455	Rs 685	Rs 15,190
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV)	Rs 225	Rs 340	Rs 7,535
Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCM)	Rs 690	Rs 1,035	Rs 23,050

The expressway will be open to all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles.

6. Environmental and Social Impact

While the Ganga Expressway promises significant development, it also raises concerns:

• Land Acquisition: Over 14,000 hectares of agricultural land will be affected, impacting crop production and farmers’ livelihoods.
• Compensation: Affected villagers will be compensated and rehabilitated.
• Environmental Measures:
  • 18.55 lakh saplings will be planted along the route.
  • Fly ash will be used in construction to reduce carbon footprint.

Also Read: Narmada Expressway: Route, Cost, Features & Real Estate Impact

7. Connectivity with Other Expressways

The Ganga Expressway will integrate with several major highways and expressways, enhancing regional connectivity:

• Delhi-Meerut Expressway: Linked via a 14-km section near Modi Nagar.
• Purvanchal Expressway: Connected in Ghazipur via Mirzapur, Varanasi, and Chandauli.
• Yamuna Expressway: An 83-km link road will connect the Ganga Expressway to the Noida International Airport in Jewar.

8. Conclusion

The Ganga Expressway is more than just a road; it’s a catalyst for Uttar Pradesh’s economic and infrastructural transformation. By connecting eastern and western UP, boosting industrial growth, and improving real estate prospects, this project is set to redefine the state’s future. While challenges like land acquisition and environmental concerns remain, the long-term benefits promise to outweigh the hurdles, making the Ganga Expressway a cornerstone of UP’s development.