Purvanchal Expressway Moves A Step Closer To Reality; Foundation Stone To Be Laid On July 14
The Purvanchal Expressway, the Uttar Pradesh government's ambitious project to connect interior and semi-developed towns of the state, has now moved a step closer to reality. The state government has now approved various proposals submitted by shortlisted builders for different packages of the expressway. These projects will be implemented in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) model. The expressway will be constructed between capital Lucknow and Ghazipur.
According to the UP government spokesperson, the project will be constructed in a time period of three years. The foundation stone of the project will be laid on July 14.
The total estimate for developing the project, which is expected to be completed by 2021, is Rs 23,300 crore. The work on the project will start later this month with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying its foundation stone.
The plan
The Purvanchal Expressway is a 343-kilometre highway, and will connect state capital Lucknow with Ballia, passing through Barabanki, Sultanpur, Faizabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Azamgarh, Mau and Ghazipur, and would end at Haidaria.
The road will pass through seven districts and will be developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority. The entire corridor will also boost economic development in these districts which are famous for production of alkaloid, peppermint, apart from handicraft and handloom industries.
The project was proposed in 2015 by the previous state government. The tenders were floated as 40 per cent land acquisition was already done. However, as the new government took over in March 2017, the tenders were cancelled and so far only 91 per cent of the land has been acquired while tenders are yet to be floated. The state government will bear the cost of acquisition while the Central government will pay for the road construction.
The timeline
2015
Oct: State finalised the project and renamed the Lucknow-Azamgarh-Ballia expressway as the Purvanchal expressway
2016
Dec: The foundation stone for the project was laid by the chief minister.
2017
May: The new state government cancels tenders issues by the previous government.
Sep: Around 60 per cent land required for the project acquired at Rs 4,500 crore.
2018
Jan: Around 85 per cent land acquired.
Apr: Around 91 per cent land acquired; request for proposal floated for inviting tender bids.