On November 16, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Purvanchal Expressway, marking a significant advancement in infrastructure for eastern Uttar Pradesh. Described by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as “the spine of the economy of eastern Uttar Pradesh,” this expressway represents a major leap in regional connectivity and economic development.
Introduction to the Purvanchal Expressway
This Expressway is a monumental infrastructure project spanning 343 kilometers. It starts at Chand Saray village in Lucknow, intersects several key districts, and terminates at Haidaria village in Ghazipur. This extensive Purvanchal Expressway route connects crucial districts including Barabanki, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, and Mau, and links to significant cities such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Gorakhpur through dedicated link roads.
Key Features and Benefits
Enhanced Connectivity
source: wikipedia
One of the most notable benefits of the Purvanchal Expressway is its ability to significantly reduce travel times. For instance:
- Ghazipur to Lucknow: The expressway reduces travel time from 12 hours to just six hours.
- Ghazipur to Delhi: It offers a streamlined route that shortens the journey to approximately 10 hours.
This improved connectivity facilitates better access to the state capital and the national capital, enhancing economic and social interaction across regions.
Entry and Exit Points on the Purvanchal Expressway:
| Name of the Intersecting Road | Type of Structure |
|---|---|
| National Highway or NH-56/731 | Trumpet Interchange |
| Haidergarh to Barabanki Road | Slip Roads and a Toll Booth |
| Inhauna to Rudauli Road | Slip Roads and a Toll Booth |
| Raebareli to Faizabad Road | Interchange and a Toll Plaza |
| Sultanpur to Faizabad Road | Interchange and a Toll Plaza |
| Sultanpur to Akbarpur Road | Interchange and a Toll Plaza |
| Akbarpur to Dostpur Road | Slip Roads and a Toll Booth |
| Akbarpur to Jaunpur Road | Slip Roads and a Toll Booth |
| Azamgarh to Tanda Road | Interchange and a Toll Plaza |
| Azamgarh to Mau Road | Slip Roads and a Toll Booth |
| Mau to Ghazipur Road | Interchange and a Toll Plaza |
| Ballia Link Road (Upcoming) | Slip Roads with Toll Booth |
| National Highway or NH-19 | Trumpet Interchange |
Economic and Social Impact
Employment Generation
The construction of the Purvanchal Expressway has been a major employment driver, generating over 6 million man-days. This has led to job creation in various sectors, including construction, industrial training, and service industries. Future developments around the expressway are expected to foster further job opportunities and economic growth.
Also read: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway 2024: Everything You Need to Know About India’s Mega Road Project
Industrial and Agricultural Development
The expressway is anticipated to spur growth in several key sectors:
- Industries: It will promote the establishment of handloom, food processing, and dairy industries, acting as a catalyst for industrial growth.
- Agriculture: Enhanced logistics and market access will boost agricultural productivity and income for farmers.
Tourism Boost
The expressway also plays a crucial role in promoting tourism by improving access to important religious and cultural sites. Cities like Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi, which are significant for both religious and historical reasons, will benefit from increased visitor numbers. The expressway facilitates easier and faster travel to these destinations, encouraging tourism and local business growth.
Purvanchal Expressway route map 2024:
source: UPEIDA
Construction and Development Milestones
Historical Context
The Purvanchal Expressway was initially launched as the Lucknow-Azamgarh-Balia Expressway under the Akhilesh Yadav-led government in March 2015. However, it was rebranded as the Purvanchal Expressway under the Yogi Adityanath administration in October 2015. The project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was successfully inaugurated in November 2021.
Project Details
Developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), the expressway features:
- A six-lane access-controlled design
- Seven bridges and 22 flyovers
- An airstrip for emergency landings
The estimated cost of the project is Rs 22,496 crore, reflecting its scale and significance.
Purvanchal Expressway: Toll rates in 2024
| Vehicle Type | Toll Rate in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Cars, Jeeps, Vans, Other Lightweight Vehicles | Rs 675 |
| Light Commercial Vehicles, Minibuses | Rs 1,065 |
| Buses, Trucks | Rs 2,145 |
| Multi-Axle Vehicles (MAV) (3 to 6 Axles), Heavy Construction Machinery, Geo-Moving Equipment | Rs 3,285 |
| Vehicles with 7 or More Axles | Rs 4,185 |
Also read: Gorakhpur Link Expressway: Route map, phases & Latest updates
Future Expansion and Connectivity
Expansion Plans
Future developments include:
- Bihar Connectivity: Proposals to extend the expressway from Ghazipur to Bihar are in progress.
- Linking with Other Expressways: Plans to connect the Purvanchal Expressway with the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and other major routes are underway.
Integration with Other Expressways
The Purvanchal Expressway will integrate with:
- Prayagraj-Dohrighat Corridor: A 4-lane corridor connecting several districts and linking with the Purvanchal Expressway.
- Balia Link Expressway: Facilitating travel from Lucknow to Patna.
- Gorakhpur Link Expressway: Connecting at Salarpur village.
Impact on Regional Development
Improved Infrastructure
The expressway is transforming Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure landscape. It enhances connectivity between central and eastern districts, contributing to:
- Economic Development: Boosting productivity and business opportunities.
- Real Estate Growth: Encouraging development projects and industrial hubs.
- Quality of Life: Promoting the establishment of educational and medical institutions.
Also read: National Highway 152D : Ambala-Narnaul Expressway – TransHaryana Expressway
Religious and Cultural Significance
The Purvanchal Expressway facilitates smoother transportation to major religious sites, enhancing accessibility for devotees:
- Ayodhya: Known for the Ram Mandir and its spiritual significance. This expressway reduces the travel time between Lucknow and Ayodhya by one hour.
- Gorakhpur: Home to the Gorakhnath Temple and a constituency of the current CM. Travel time between Lucknow and Gorakhpur is reduced by two hours.
- Varanasi: A major tourist and academic hub. The expressway shortens the journey from Lucknow to Varanasi to 5.5 hours.
Conclusion
The Purvanchal Expressway stands as a pivotal project in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure development. It not only enhances regional connectivity but also promises to drive economic growth, boost tourism, and improve quality of life. As Uttar Pradesh continues to expand its expressway network, the Purvanchal Expressway will be central to the state’s transformation into an economic powerhouse.
Frequnetly Asked Questions:
The Purvanchal Expressway was inaugurated on November 16, 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ceremony took place in Sultanpur, marking a significant milestone for the infrastructure project
No, the Purvanchal Expressway is not toll-free. There are six toll plazas along the route from start to finish
The Purvanchal Expressway spans 340.8 kilometers, passing through nine districts of Uttar Pradesh. It begins at Chandsarai village in the Lucknow-Sultanpur Road district and ends at Haydaria village on the Mohammadabad Buxar highway in Ghazipur
The Purvanchal Expressway offers a convenient route from Lucknow to Ayodhya, taking less than three hours for the journey
Yes, the Purvanchal Expressway is connected to New Delhi. Travelers from Delhi can reach it via the Yamuna Expressway, Agra-Lucknow Expressway, and Lucknow Ring Road
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