Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised the naming of the Ganga Expressway after the Ganga river and announced that the 594-km greenfield corridor connecting Prayagraj and Meerut would be extended to Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
Addressing the Inauguration
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the expressway, Modi said the government would also work on a link expressway to Farrukhabad and connect it with other expressways. Calling it a reflection of the vision of the "double-engine government," Modi said the project symbolizes the blending of "vikas" (development) and "virasat" (heritage). He stressed that rapid infrastructure development holds the key to accelerating India's growth.
Speedy Construction
Hailing the speedy construction of the Ganga Expressway, Modi said the project was completed in less than five years after its foundation stone was laid by him in 2021. "This is the style and pace of work of the double-engine government," he remarked. The new expressway will be a lifeline for Uttar Pradesh's development.
Economic Opportunities
Describing the expressway stretch as akin to a "teertha" (holy pilgrimage), Modi said it would become a lifeline for UP's development, opening up new economic opportunities. He added that the corridor would not only facilitate faster travel but also serve as a gateway for industrial growth and employment generation. "Gone are the days when construction of a single road took years. There was a time when projects would languish in files," he said.
Criticism of Previous Governments
In an apparent swipe at the opposition, Modi said that foundation plaques used to get installed at the time of polls but projects never materialized even as governments came and went. He criticized previous governments for ignoring the interests of farmers who faced difficulties in storage and transportation. "Their problems will now be solved and they will get higher incomes," he said.
Industrial Corridors and UP's Economic Growth
Modi said new industrial corridors would be developed along the Ganga Expressway. "The previous government did not even dream of industrial corridors in various places, including Hardoi," he stated. The PM said that Uttar Pradesh, which was earlier billed as a "BIMARU" state, was now striving to become a $1 trillion economy. "It is a huge target. And this requires equally big preparation," he said. "The economic development of UP is today becoming India's strategic strength as well."
"There was a time when UP was identified by its potholed roads. The same state is now home to the maximum number of expressways," Modi concluded.
