Lucknow: The Gorakhpur Link Expressway, developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), is slated for inauguration this Friday. This will mark the seventh operational expressway in Uttar Pradesh, further enhancing the state's road infrastructure. Of these seven operational expressways, five have been completed in the last eight years. Additionally, construction is currently underway on three more expressways, with another eight in various stages of proposal.

Uttar Pradesh has significantly accelerated its infrastructure development, steadily establishing its identity as the "Expressway State" of India. Prior to 2017, the state had only two operational expressways. Since then, five new expressways have been successfully completed and opened to traffic.

The inauguration of the Gorakhpur Link Expressway will contribute to Uttar Pradesh holding the distinction of having one of the longest networks of expressways in the country. These high-speed corridors are playing a pivotal role in accelerating the state's economic growth and improving regional connectivity, facilitating smoother movement of goods and people across various regions.

The expansion of this network is designed to support industrial development and streamline logistics, contributing to overall economic progress.

Expressways Currently Operational in UP

Purvanchal Expressway: Connecting Lucknow to Ghazipur, spanning 341 kilometers.

Bundelkhand Expressway: Linking Chitrakoot to Etawah, covering 296 kilometers.

Agra-Lucknow Expressway: A 302-kilometer route from Agra to Lucknow.

Yamuna Expressway: Extending 165 kilometers from Greater Noida to Agra.

Delhi-Meerut Expressway: An 82-kilometer stretch connecting Meerut to Delhi.

Expressways Under Construction

Ganga Expressway: A major project covering 591 kilometers.

Ballia Link Expressway: A shorter, but significant 35-kilometer connector.

Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway: A 63-kilometer route designed to ease travel between the two cities.