Ganga Expressway to be completed by February 2026, set to transform UP connectivity: CM

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday comprehensively reviewed major infrastructure, irrigation, energy, education and industrial development projects of the state during a high-level meeting.

The Chief Minister said that mega infrastructure and development projects are rapidly establishing Uttar Pradesh as a new centre of economic prosperity and investment. He stressed that completing all such projects in a time-bound and quality-driven manner remains the government’s top priority.

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While reviewing the Ganga Expressway project, the Chief Minister directed that construction work be completed by the end of February 2026. He said the 594-kilometre-long expressway would significantly strengthen the state’s connectivity and serve as a strong foundation for industrial, agricultural and logistics activities.

Officials informed the meeting that the expressway passes through 12 districts and will directly benefit over 500 villages. Road quality is being assessed using modern technical standards such as the roughness index and riding comfort index. Way-side amenities, rest areas, road safety features, signage and an access-control system are being developed to high standards.

Reviewing the Middle Ganga Canal Project (Stage-II), the Chief Minister said irrigation projects play a vital role in increasing agricultural production and farmers’ income. Officials said that once completed, the project will expand irrigation facilities across large agricultural areas in Amroha, Moradabad and Sambhal districts, thereby strengthening the rural economy.

During the review of the Erich Irrigation Project, it was informed that the initiative is crucial for water conservation, irrigation and drinking water availability in the Bundelkhand region. The project will stabilise agricultural activities and improve water resource management. The Chief Minister directed that all pending works related to the project be completed at the earliest.

While reviewing the hydroelectric projects in the Rihand and Obra areas, the Chief Minister emphasised that strengthening energy security is essential for the state’s industrial growth. Officials informed that pump-storage-based projects in the Rihand-Obra region would help meet future energy requirements and enable effective utilisation of renewable energy.

Reviewing the Noida International Airport at Jewar, the Chief Minister directed officials to expedite the land acquisition process for Phase III. He said the Jewar airport would emerge as a major hub for global connectivity, investment and employment generation in Uttar Pradesh. He added that the airport would open new possibilities as an air cargo hub and stressed the need for timely preparation of future phases.

Officials informed that with the commencement of the airport’s first phase, modern facilities will be available for over one crore passengers annually.

During the review of the multimodal logistics hub and multimodal transport hub in Greater Noida, the Chief Minister directed officials to accelerate project execution. He also instructed them to maintain continuous coordination with relevant Union government ministries for the construction of proposed railway stations and related infrastructure.

He said that strengthening logistics infrastructure would reduce operational costs for industries and help Uttar Pradesh emerge as a major manufacturing and supply-chain hub.

Reviewing the Chief Minister Model Composite School scheme, the Chief Minister described it as a farsighted initiative aimed at strengthening a modern, quality and holistic education system in the state. He said that 150 Chief Minister Model Schools would be established across 75 districts, equipped with modern classrooms, science laboratories, digital learning facilities, sports infrastructure and co-educational facilities.

He directed officials to expedite work related to the establishment of these schools and to complete land selection immediately, wherever pending, in coordination with local administrations, so that the scheme can be implemented within the stipulated timeframe. The need to fast-track construction of the Chilla Elevated Flyover was also highlighted during the meeting.

The Chief Minister said that development in Uttar Pradesh is not limited to construction alone, but involves implementing time-bound, quality and public-utility projects on the ground. He instructed officials to conduct regular reviews of all major projects to ensure steady progress in the state’s development journey.

Detailed discussions were also held on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and the expansion of rail connectivity along the Bahraich–Shravasti–Balrampur–Siddharthnagar–Sant Kabir Nagar corridor. Officials said the new rail line project is a significant step towards connecting border and aspirational districts with the rail network and will boost regional development, business activity and passenger convenience. The Chief Minister issued necessary directions to district magistrates to ensure timely availability of land for the project.