UP govt approves 4 link expressways worth ₹17,542 crore, targets completion in 3 years

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved four link expressway projects spanning approximately 322 km at a combined cost of ₹17,542.06 crore, as the state government steps up investment in road infrastructure to improve regional connectivity and support economic development. The state government will bear the entire expenditure, with the projects targeted for completion within three years.

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said the projects would be developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) through the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode. Contractors will also be responsible for maintaining the expressways for five years after completion.

The projects are intended to strengthen links between existing expressway corridors and important destinations across the state, including the Bundelkhand region and the area around Noida International Airport at Jewar.

Farrukhabad, Agra-Lucknow and Purvanchal links approved

The four projects include the Farrukhabad Link Expressway, divided into two packages covering approximately 90.90 km, and a 50.94-km link connecting the Agra-Lucknow Expressway with the Purvanchal Expressway.

The Cabinet also approved the Jhansi Link Expressway, spanning around 106 km across two packages, and the Jewar Link Expressway, covering approximately 74 km in two packages.

Together, the four corridors account for roughly 322 km of proposed road infrastructure. Their development is expected to improve connections between existing highways and expressways, potentially easing the movement of passengers and goods across different parts of Uttar Pradesh.

EPC model to govern project execution

Under the EPC model, the implementing authority engages contractors to undertake engineering, procurement and construction in accordance with the agreed project specifications. The five-year maintenance requirement will extend contractors’ responsibilities beyond construction, although the Cabinet announcement did not specify individual project timelines or maintenance costs.

Khanna said the Cabinet had approved all four projects for development under this model and reiterated that they were expected to be completed within three years.

The state government’s decision to fund the ₹17,542.06-crore package places the expenditure on the state budget, with the projects being implemented through UPEIDA.

Connectivity seen supporting economic development

The proposed expressway links are expected to improve access to key destinations and strengthen connectivity between regional economic centres. The Jewar link is particularly relevant to improving road access to the airport area, while the Jhansi and Farrukhabad corridors are intended to improve connectivity across other parts of the state.

Khanna said stronger transportation infrastructure would contribute to economic development, underlining the role of road connectivity in facilitating movement across Uttar Pradesh.

The projects’ wider economic impact will depend on timely execution, integration with existing expressways and the extent to which improved connectivity supports commercial activity and regional mobility.