The Ganga Expressway project is facing new challenges as the monsoon season continues to bring heavy rainfall, thereby affecting its progress and putting its completion deadline at risk. In light of this situation, Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta has taken action by instructing officials to expedite the construction process. During a high-level review meeting on September 10, Minister Gupta made it clear that the construction work should be finished within the established timeframe and that progress would be assessed on a weekly basis.
The purpose of the meeting was to review projects undertaken, currently under construction, and those proposed under the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). Minister Gupta, often referred to as Nandi, was updated on the current state of the 594 km-long Ganga Expressway, a key infrastructure project within the state. Although the main route of the expressway is mostly complete, work on two essential interchanges has been delayed due to significant rainfall. Reports indicate that the interchange locations near Jagatpur (Unchahar Road) and Ahar (Lalganj Road) are experiencing water accumulation, which is complicating the process of removing soil.
Anil Poonia, an administrative officer from ITD, mentioned that most of the construction is done, but the final part of the main road is still incomplete. He mentioned that approximately 300 meters of earthwork remains to be completed on the main road. Despite the current challenges, UPEIDA officials remain hopeful that the project will be operational by November. Activities like soil cutting, planting grass on slopes, and building toll booths are in their final stages. Minister Gupta emphasized the critical importance of construction quality, stating that there should be no compromise on the quality of work. Furthermore, he underscored the need to focus on the maintenance and safety aspects of the project. This expressway is expected to bring economic advantages to both farmers and traders, as they will have improved access to markets.