_pages-to-jpg-0001.jpg)
The Purvanchal Expressway, a 340.824-kilometer-long highway, has transformed transportation infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, connecting major districts while promoting economic development. This modern six-lane expressway, which can be expanded to eight lanes in the future, began construction in October 2018 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 16, 2021.
Key Features of the Purvanchal Expressway
The expressway is built to high standards, offering commuters a safe and speedy journey. It features 22 flyovers, 7 railway overbridges, 7 major bridges, 114 minor bridges, and 271 underpasses. Cars can travel at a maximum speed of 120 km/h, while trucks and buses have a speed limit of 80 km/h.
A unique highlight of this highway is the 3.2-kilometer-long airstrip in Sultanpur district. This strip is designed for emergency landings and takeoffs, accommodating fighter jets and heavy cargo planes such as the Hercules C-24, underlining the expressway’s strategic significance.
Economic Benefits and Connectivity
The Purvanchal Expressway has drastically reduced travel time between Lucknow and Ghazipur, making commuting and business activities faster and more convenient. Beyond easing travel, the expressway has become a catalyst for economic growth in the region. By improving access to industrial zones and trade hubs, it encourages investment, employment generation, and overall economic development.
The expressway also strengthens connectivity to major religious tourism destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj. This improved access is expected to boost tourism, bringing more visitors and stimulating local businesses in the region.
Development of the Expressway
The project was developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) and completed in a record 40 months, reflecting efficient planning and execution. The total project cost was approximately Rs 22,500 crore, including land acquisition. With its advanced infrastructure and efficient design, the Purvanchal Expressway has set a benchmark for highway projects across India.
The development of this expressway has also led to the creation of new industrial corridors and economic zones, further accelerating regional growth. The highway’s presence is expected to attract more businesses and investments, making it a key driver of economic transformation in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity
The Purvanchal Expressway passes through nine districts: Lucknow, Barabanki, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, Azamgarh, Mau, and Ghazipur. It has improved connectivity not only between these districts but also between eastern Uttar Pradesh, the state capital Lucknow, and the national capital Delhi.
By linking these key areas efficiently, the expressway has strengthened trade, tourism, and mobility, making the region more accessible and economically vibrant. Its strategic location and advanced design position it as a vital infrastructure asset for Uttar Pradesh, promising long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and the state economy.
In summary, the Purvanchal Expressway is more than just a highway—it is a transformative infrastructure project that is driving economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and setting new standards for transportation development in India.
