The Ganga Expressway project is encountering difficulties due to continuous monsoon rains, potentially delaying its scheduled completion. Recognizing the impact, Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta has directed that efforts be intensified to expedite the project. During a review meeting held on Wednesday, September 10, Minister Gupta explicitly instructed officials to ensure that construction is finalized within the specified timeframe and to conduct weekly assessments of the progress.
The meeting was convened to evaluate projects currently underway, in progress, and planned under the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). The meeting provided an update to Minister Gupta, also known as Nandi, on the status of the 594 km-long Ganga Expressway, a major infrastructure initiative in the state. While most of the main route is nearing completion, the construction of two key interchanges has been disrupted by heavy rainfall. These interchanges, located near Jagatpur (Unchahar Road) and Ahar (Lalganj Road), are experiencing waterlogging, which has created logistical difficulties for soil removal.
According to Anil Poonia, an administrative officer at ITD, the majority of the construction work has been finished; however, the concluding portion of the main road remains incomplete. He estimated that approximately 300 meters of earthwork still needs to be completed on the main road. Despite these challenges, UPEIDA officials are optimistic that the project will be operational by November. Activities like soil cutting, planting grass on slopes, and constructing toll booths are in their final stages. Minister Gupta underscored the importance of maintaining high construction quality and stated that there should be no compromises in this regard. He also emphasized the need to prioritize the maintenance and safety aspects of the project. The expressway is expected to stimulate economic growth for farmers and traders, offering them improved access to markets and reduced transportation costs.