Gorakhpur: The highly anticipated Gorakhpur Link Expressway, a 91.35-kilometer stretch of road that will revolutionize travel across eastern Uttar Pradesh, is set to open for traffic in January 2025, marking the arrival of the New Year with a significant infrastructural milestone. The expressway will establish a direct connection between Gorakhpur and Azamgarh, linking seamlessly with the Purvanchal Expressway to provide smoother, quicker routes to Lucknow, Agra, and Delhi.
Almost Complete: 98% of the Gorakhpur Link Expressway’s Construction Finished
According to officials, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway is almost complete, with 98% of its construction finished. The expressway has been developed at a massive cost of Rs 7,283.28 crore and stretches from NH-27 near Jaitpur village in Gorakhpur to Salarpur in Azamgarh. The remaining work is expected to be completed in the final stages ahead of its anticipated January 2025 launch.
Key Features of the Gorakhpur Link Expressway
The expressway will offer a major boost to Uttar Pradesh’s road connectivity. Key construction milestones include:
- Soil and clearing work for the major carriageway has been finished.
- Out of 343 planned buildings, 337 have been completed, with the remaining structures being constructed rapidly.
These developments indicate that the expressway is on track for its opening and will significantly improve the road network of the region.
Travel Time Reduction and Regional Connectivity
Once operational, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway will drastically reduce travel times. The Purvanchal Expressway, which connects to the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, will cut the travel time between Gorakhpur and Lucknow to approximately 3.5 hours. This reduction in travel time will not only enhance road transport efficiency but will also strengthen regional connectivity, benefiting both business and tourism across the state.
Economic and Developmental Impact on the Region
The expressway is expected to bring direct benefits to the districts of Gorakhpur, Ambedkarnagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Azamgarh. The improved road infrastructure will likely serve as a catalyst for development in key sectors, including:
- Tourism: Easier access to religious and cultural sites in the region.
- Agriculture: Improved transportation routes will facilitate the faster movement of agricultural produce.
- Industry: Enhanced connectivity will promote industrial growth and attract investments.
Industrial Corridors Along the Expressway
In addition to improving road transport, the government has plans to establish industrial corridors along the expressway’s route. These corridors aim to foster economic activity by linking manufacturing facilities, growth hubs, and agricultural areas. By connecting these regions to major cities like Delhi, the expressway is set to play a pivotal role in boosting the state’s economy.
Sustainability and Efficiency Goals
Apart from providing quicker travel, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway will contribute to sustainability by reducing both environmental pollution and fuel consumption. The expressway’s controlled-access design is intended to provide more efficient travel, while minimizing traffic congestion and emissions. The project reflects Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to fostering regional growth and establishing Gorakhpur as a significant transportation hub in northern India.
A New Year’s Gift for Uttar Pradesh
With its completion set for January 2025, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway will be a landmark addition to Uttar Pradesh’s road infrastructure. It will not only enhance connectivity between key cities and regions but also lay the foundation for future industrial and economic growth, benefiting millions of residents and visitors alike.
The expressway’s opening promises to be a New Year’s gift for the people of Gorakhpur and surrounding districts, heralding a new era of rapid development and connectivity in Uttar Pradesh.
