Azamgarh : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the 91.35-kilometer-long Gorakhpur Link Expressway, constructed at a cost of ₹7,283.28 crore, describing it as a world-class infrastructure gift that connects Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, and Azamgarh districts.
Addressing a massive public gathering in Azamgarh, CM Yogi said, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh has transitioned from a BIMARU state to the ‘Expressway State’ of India.” The Gorakhpur Link Expressway, a four-lane (expandable to six) greenfield highway, begins from Jaitpur near Sahjanwa in Gorakhpur and connects with the Purvanchal Expressway at Salarpur in Azamgarh.
Development Rooted in Infrastructure
CM Yogi emphasized that robust infrastructure is key to building a prosperous and developed Uttar Pradesh. He cited how expressways are not only improving inter-district and interstate connectivity but also laying the foundation for job creation and regional development.
“Uttar Pradesh now boasts 4-lane connectivity for all district headquarters and 2-lane connectivity for all tehsil and block HQs,” he said, underlining the massive progress since 2017.
Azamgarh: From Identity Crisis to Epicenter of Courage
Reflecting on the transformation of Azamgarh, the CM recalled that the region once faced stigma and identity crisis. “Today, Azamgarh is no longer synonymous with fear, but with fearless development. It has contributed two chief ministers to the state and is now at the forefront of progress,” he said.
Yogi added, “Earlier, Azamgarh was unfairly linked with terrorist incidents. Now, no one dares to breach India’s internal security.”
Historic Projects Powering Forward Momentum
The CM listed several achievements:
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State University named after Maharaja Suheldev operating in Azamgarh.
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Medical College with a new Nursing College.
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Promotion of local crafts: Azamgarh’s black pottery and Mubarakpur sarees now enjoy national and international recognition.
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Music Heritage Revived: A music college sanctioned to preserve the legacy of the Hariharpur gharana, famed for singing, instruments, and dance.
Expressways Redefining Eastern UP
CM Yogi recalled the Purvanchal Expressway, launched in 2021 by PM Modi, which transformed travel across Azamgarh, Mau, and Ghazipur. “Today, one can travel from these areas to Lucknow in the morning and return by afternoon,” he said.
He revealed that the expressway’s width was increased from 110 meters to 120 meters to potentially accommodate high-speed or semi-high-speed rail in the future.
The Expressway Boom in UP
He highlighted the expansion of the expressway network in UP:
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Bundelkhand Expressway (300 km) operational since 2022.
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Delhi-Agra-Chitrakoot connectivity via Yamuna and Bundelkhand expressways.
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Delhi-Meerut Expressway (12-lane) cut travel time to under 45 minutes.
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Ganga Expressway (600 km) from Meerut to Prayagraj to be inaugurated by PM Modi later this year.
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Ongoing projects include Lucknow-Kanpur Greenfield Expressway and Ballia Link Expressway, among others.
Job Creation and Industrial Clusters
The CM reiterated that industrial clusters are being developed along expressways, ensuring local jobs for local youth. He emphasized that UP’s 16 operational airports, including four international ones, further solidify the state’s infrastructure leadership.
Transparent Employment, Inclusive Growth
CM Yogi hailed the record 60,244 police recruitments, including 12,045 women, and said, “There is no discrimination in employment based on region, language, caste, or religion. Jobs are merit-based and transparent.”
Azamgarh’s youth, once stifled by identity issues, are now gaining respect and recognition globally, he said.
Balancing Heritage and Progress
The CM celebrated UP’s unique balance between cultural heritage and modern development:
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Grand preparations underway for Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj.
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Iconic projects like Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Vindhyavasini Corridor, and Chitrakoot Dham are redefining the state’s identity.
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A music university to be developed under the legacy of Hariharpur gharana.
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Ayodhya Airport now operational, named after Maharshi Valmiki.
“We are preserving our Rishi heritage while building world-class infrastructure. There is no alternative to development—UP is committed to fulfilling the dream of a Developed India by 2047,” the CM concluded.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was also addressed by Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’, Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar, Jail Minister Dara Singh Chauhan, and Chief Secretary & UPEDA CEO Manoj Kumar Singh. Also present were Water Resources Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, MoS Industrial Development Jaswant Singh Saini, Advisor Avnish Awasthi, and several senior officials and public representatives.
UP’s identity as a land of expressways, culture, and courage is now firmly etched into the national narrative.
