Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday inaugurated the much-anticipated Gorakhpur Link Expressway, a 91.35-km long four-lane highway built at a cost of ₹7283.28 crore. Addressing a large public gathering at the Bhagwanpur Toll Plaza, the CM emphasized that the pace of infrastructure development is directly linked to a state’s progress and prosperity.
Yogi remarked, “Countries that are developed today owe it to robust infrastructure. Post-2017, under PM Narendra Modi’s guidance, UP prioritized infrastructure, resulting in the state shedding its ‘BIMARU’ tag and emerging as India’s economic engine.”
Pre-2017: A State in Decline
Recalling the pre-2017 scenario, the CM said basic amenities were missing, welfare schemes didn’t reach beneficiaries, and mafia-rule dominated development planning. “Where roads had potholes or potholes had roads was hard to tell,” Yogi quipped. “Now, UP’s expressway network is accelerating the economy.”
Transforming Youth Identity
Highlighting a shift in youth empowerment, he noted that over 60,000 youths, including 12,045 women, recently received police appointment letters. “From 1947 to 2017, only 10,000 women were recruited in the police force. Now, the number has crossed 40,000,” he said.
Without naming them, Yogi took a dig at the “uncle-nephew” duo from previous governments, alleging their interference in recruitment processes. “Now, there’s no caste or regional bias—recruitments are based on merit,” he affirmed.
Investment and Security Go Hand-in-Hand
“Investment thrives in secure environments. In the past 8 years, UP has received ₹50 lakh crore worth of investment proposals, with ₹15 lakh crore already grounded,” Yogi stated.
Expressways Driving Industrial Growth
The CM underlined that expressways like Gorakhpur Link, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and the upcoming Ganga Expressway are becoming bases for industrial clusters, MSMEs, agri-businesses, and fisheries. In GIDA alone, ₹15,000 crore worth of investments have created over 40,000 local jobs.
UP Tops in Connectivity
Yogi asserted that UP now leads in road, rail, and air connectivity. “From having only two airports pre-2017, UP now boasts 16 operational airports, including four internationals. The largest—Jewar Airport—is under construction,” he added.
Gorakhpur to Lucknow in 3 Hours
The Gorakhpur Link Expressway will significantly reduce travel time to Lucknow to just three hours via the Purvanchal Expressway. Regions like Belghat, Khajni, and Sikriganj are now directly connected to the expressway grid, unlocking industrial and employment potential.
Boost to Indo-Nepal Connectivity
Strategically located just 100 km from the India-Nepal border, the expressway enhances regional and international trade. It will benefit Nepal-bound pilgrims, patients, and tourists, especially those accessing India via the Sonouli border. Travel time to Delhi, Agra, and Lucknow will be drastically cut, supporting tourism and commerce.
Strategic Importance
The expressway holds military and strategic significance. In emergencies, it allows quick deployment of defense resources along the Nepal border. It complements India-Nepal trade, with Nepal relying heavily on India for imports. It also links with the upcoming Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway, promising regional growth.
From Identity Crisis to Bold Aspirations
“Infrastructure is transforming Azamgarh from an identity crisis zone into a hub of fearless youth,” Yogi said, while also reminding citizens of their role in preserving heritage through development. “Places like Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Prayagraj, and Chitrakoot reflect this harmony.”
Ayush University to Be Inaugurated by President
The CM also announced that the state’s first Ayush University in Bhatat, Gorakhpur, will be inaugurated by the President of India on June 30.
Yoga for Wellbeing
Calling for mass participation in International Yoga Day on June 21, the CM said, “Yoga is India’s heritage, globalized by PM Modi. Let’s celebrate health and discipline across every village and city.”
Other Highlights
Before the formal event, CM Yogi flagged off the UPEDA security fleet including Innovas, campers, ambulances, and cranes for expressway safety. He also planted a Harishankari tree (peepal, banyan, pakad) and toured a photo gallery showcasing the expressway’s journey. He posed for photos with APCO Infratech staff, appreciating their contribution.
With the Gorakhpur Link Expressway now operational, UP adds its seventh expressway, reinforcing its image as India’s Expressway State—ushering a new era of connectivity, employment, and regional prosperity.
