Ganga Expressway Expansion: New 146-km Link to Haridwar via Amroha, Bijnor Approved
In a major infrastructure development, the nearly complete 594-km Ganga Expressway, which runs between Meerut and Prayagraj, is poised for a significant expansion towards Haridwar. Authorities have initiated groundwork for a proposed 146.2-km extension that will traverse through Amroha and Bijnor, enhancing regional connectivity.
Agreement and Corridor Details
Officials from the UP Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) confirmed that the expansion follows a recent agreement between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand authorities to develop the Amroha-Bijnor-Haridwar corridor. This new stretch will cover 116.8 kilometers in Uttar Pradesh and 29.3 kilometers in Uttarakhand, potentially impacting 204 villages across three districts. Specifically, 62 villages are located in Amroha, 117 in Bijnor, and 25 in Haridwar.
Land Acquisition and Project Planning
To expedite the land acquisition process, UPEIDA has directed district authorities to provide certified revenue village maps in both soft and hard formats at the earliest. A letter dated April 10, accessed by sources, outlines these instructions. Amroha District Magistrate Nidhi Gupta Vats verified the development on Monday, noting that an additional district magistrate-level officer has been appointed as the nodal officer for coordination.
The responsibility for preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for the new alignment has been assigned to SA Infrastructure Consultants Pvt Ltd. Survey work has already commenced in certain villages, with officials emphasizing that timely availability of maps is crucial to accelerate land acquisition and keep the project on schedule.
Strategic Alignment and Connectivity Benefits
An official familiar with the project revealed that while an alignment from Meerut to Haridwar was previously under consideration, the Amroha-Bijnor route has now gained approval after discussions between UP and Uttarakhand authorities in Dehradun. This greenfield alignment will pass through key areas of Bijnor before reaching Haridwar, and it is expected to complement the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway corridor.
Once completed, the extension is anticipated to significantly improve connectivity between western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, facilitating smoother travel and economic growth. Local residents in Bijnor have also advocated for the corridor to include ancient religious sites such as Vidur Kuti and Kanva Rishi Ashram, arguing that this would boost tourism in these culturally significant areas.
The project underscores a collaborative effort between state governments to enhance infrastructure and regional integration, with ongoing surveys and planning aimed at ensuring timely execution.
