Ganga Expressway Extension to Haridwar: Yogi Cabinet Approves ₹10,761 Crore Project Connecting Two Kumbh Cities

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet, meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has given its formal approval to a major infrastructure project aimed at expanding the state's expressway network and boosting regional religious tourism. The state government has cleared the proposal to extend the Ganga Expressway all the way to Haridwar, creating a seamless high-speed corridor between two of India's most prominent spiritual hubs.

Project Cost and Greenfield Design

The proposed extension will be built as a high-speed greenfield expressway featuring six lanes, with structural provisions allowing for future expansion up to eight lanes. The entire project is estimated to cost ₹10,761 crore. According to state officials, the financial expenditure for this ambitious extension will be borne entirely by the Uttar Pradesh state government without central government financial participation. Following this key cabinet clearance, administrative procedures including detailed project report (DPR) preparation and land acquisition planning will proceed.

Enhanced Connectivity for Bijnor and the Capital

Currently, the primary transit route linking Bijnor district—situated along the Uttarakhand border—to Haridwar is National Highway 34 (Meerut-Bijnor-Haridwar Highway). The newly approved extension of the Ganga Expressway will provide Bijnor with significantly faster and more efficient transit options. Furthermore, the corridor will markedly improve Bijnor's connectivity to the state capital, Lucknow, fostering increased commercial trade, industrial investment, and broader economic development across the region.

Connecting Prayagraj and Haridwar for Seamless Pilgrimage

By extending the expressway network, travelers and pilgrims will benefit from an uninterrupted, access-controlled travel corridor connecting Prayagraj and Haridwar. Because both cities are major hosts of the sacred Kumbh Mela, the upgraded infrastructure will ease travel for millions of devotees, significantly reducing transit time.

Boosting Religious Tourism and Local Employment

State officials anticipate that the enhanced expressway link will provide a substantial catalyst for spiritual and cultural tourism. Improved connectivity is expected to stimulate local economic activities, hospitality sectors, and employment generation across Haridwar, Bijnor, and the various connecting districts along the Ganga Expressway route.