Shahjahanpur (Uttar Pradesh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur with the aim to improve connectivity and boost economic development across Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the event, PM Modi said, "That day is not far when UP will be identified as the most modern state with next-generation infrastructure. The network of expressways in UP, the new airports being built, new rail routes being laid down are bringing several blessings to people of UP simultaneously."
"The modern infrastructure coming up in UP today shows how resources are utilised. You have seen how public's money was used earlier. But today, UP's money is being used for UP's development. Earlier, big projects were started on paper so that they can fill their own coffers," he said, adding "today, work is being done on such projects so that money of people of UP can be saved. So that your money remains in your pocket."
"I congratulate everyone in Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh & Prayagraj. Over Rs 36,000 cr will be spent on this approx 600-km long expressway. Ganga Expressway will bring new industries in this region. It will bring numerous jobs and several new opportunities for thousands of youth," he said.
Praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for "eliminating" mafias and taking up development work, Modi said now people are saying, "UP plus Yogi bahut hai upyogi" (Uttar Pradesh plus Yogi have great utility)."Poor law and order triggered exodus of people from Uttar Pradesh earlier, but during the past 4.5 years, bulldozers have razed unauthorised properties of mafias, causing pain to those patronising them," he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya were also present at the inauguration event.
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Speaking on the occasion, CM Yogi said, "Just a few days ago, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Purvanchal Expressway. Today the foundation stone of Ganga Expressway is being laid which will connect East Uttar Pradesh with West and North. Prime Minister paid his respect to Maa Ganga. Ganga Expressway will not only connect many districts of the state but also connect the hearts."
Earlier in the day, taking to Twitter, Prime Minister said, "This is an important infra project that will improve connectivity across Uttar Pradesh. It will also boost economic development and tourism," tweeted Prime Minister.
According to Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the inspiration behind the expressway is the vision of the Prime Minister to provide fast-paced connectivity across the country. The 594-kilometre long six-lane expressway will be built at a cost of over Rs 36,200 crore.
Starting near the Bijauli village in Meerut, the expressway will extend till near the Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj. It will pass through Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj.
Upon completion of work, it will become the longest expressway of Uttar Pradesh, connecting the western and eastern regions of the state. A 3.5-kilometre long air-strip for assisting emergency take-off and landing of Air Force planes will also be constructed on the expressway in Shahjahanpur.
An industrial corridor is also proposed to be built along the expressway. The expressway will also give a fillip to multiple sectors including industrial development, trade, agriculture, tourism etc.
It will provide a big boost to the socio-economic development of the region. The Ganga Expressway was approved on November 26, 2020. This expressway will be completed by 2024. Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh are slated for early next year.
