(The Pioneer)
In a major boost to India’s defence and infrastructure capabilities, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday inspected the newly-built 3.5-kilometrelong modern airstrip on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur.
This is the country’s first airstrip where Indian Air Force fighter jets will be able to land and take off both during the day and night. The facility will also serve as a practice ground for fighter planes, significantly strengthening operational readiness.
For enhanced security, around 250 CCTV cameras will be installed on both sides of the airstrip to ensure safe movement and enable immediate police action in case of any suspicious activities.
During his visit, Chief Minister Yogi made a major announcement regarding the expansion of the Ganga Expressway.
He stated that the expressway would be extended from Prayagraj to Ghazipur, and another link would connect Meerut to Haridwar.
Additionally, plans are underway to develop an industrial hub along the expressway in Shahjahanpur. This hub is expected to create thousands of job opportunities and infuse new energy into the local economy.
The chief minister said that the Ganga Expressway would be connected to Bundelkhand through a link expressway from Farrukhabad. This will accelerate the establishment of industrial units in Bundelkhand.
He expressed confidence that the Ganga Expressway will be a milestone in the development of Uttar Pradesh. He also mentioned that the construction of the expressway will be completed by November 2025.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday, inspected the under-construction Ganga Expressway and directed UP Expressway Industrial Development Authority and the construction agencies to complete the project within the timeline, while maintaining the highest quality standards. Expressing satisfaction with the progress of construction work in Groups 1 and 2, the chief minister instructed officials to accelerate further the pace of work in Groups 3 and 4.
During his visit, the chief minister travelled by car on the expressway, reviewing the construction quality firsthand. He reviewed the construction progress across three districts. He first inspected the 347+000 chainage in Bilgram tehsil of Hardoi under Group-3, followed by a visit to the 242+650 chainage in Jalalabad, Shahjahanpur under Group-2 (BudaunHardoi section). Finally, he reached the 62+200 chainage in Garh Mukteshwar tehsil of Hapur, part of the MeerutBudaun Group-1 section.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister arrived at the Mallawan and Madhoganj development blocks of Hardoi district to inspect the expressway. He reiterated to UPEIDA officials the importance of completing the project on schedule without compromising quality.
