Purvanchal Expressway to Receive Comprehensive Service Zones in Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has announced plans to establish full-scale service facility zones along the Purvanchal Expressway in the upcoming financial year. This initiative aims to address the current lack of comprehensive amenities on the 341-kilometer high-speed corridor, which currently only offers limited services through small hotels, cafeterias, and basic service stations.
Addressing Infrastructure Gaps for Long-Distance Travelers
Unlike the Yamuna Expressway and the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, which already feature such integrated service areas, the Purvanchal Expressway has been operating without these essential facilities since its inauguration in November 2021. The expressway connects Lucknow to Ghazipur via a six-lane access-controlled carriageway and is increasingly used by travelers heading to Bihar and West Bengal from the National Capital Region.
Additional Chief Executive Officer of UPEIDA, Srihari Pratap Shahi, stated, "We will develop service areas on our own. A multi-cuisine food court, fuel station, automobile repair garage, toilet blocks, motel, electric vehicle charging station, and rest areas for truck drivers, along with parking bays, will be available in the integrated complex."
Project Details and Budget Allocation
The authority has earmarked a four-hectare (4,000 square meters) vacant plot on both sides of the carriageways for this development. A budget of approximately Rs 308 crore is required to set up these public facilities. Initially, UPEIDA attempted to involve private players through invitations, but no interest was shown, prompting the decision to undertake the project independently with assistance from the public works department.
Key features of the service zones include:
- A food court with a common seating area capable of accommodating at least 150 individuals simultaneously.
- A motel with 8 rooms and a dormitory for overnight stays.
- A lay-by for truckers equipped with bunker beds to house 80 drivers at a time.
- A health center to handle emergency medical cases.
- Additional amenities such as fuel stations, EV charging points, and parking bays.
Strategic Importance and Future Projections
Officials emphasize the urgency of commissioning these facilities, anticipating increased traffic volumes on the Purvanchal Expressway within the next year. A senior official explained, "Once the Ganga Expressway is thrown open, volume on both the Lucknow-Agra and Purvanchal Expressway is expected to go up. Having full-service areas to cater to commuters will be essential."
This development is part of broader efforts to enhance infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that the expressway meets the growing demands of travelers and supports regional connectivity. The service zones are designed to provide a seamless and comfortable experience for all users, from daily commuters to long-distance drivers.
