Azamgarh: Chief Minister on Friday inaugurated the 91.352 km long Gorakhpur Link Expressway in Azamgarh, built at a cost of `7,283 crore. Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Minister asserted that Azamgarh, once grappling with an identity crisis, has now transformed into a symbol of courage, attributing this change to strong leadership and the efforts of the "double-engine government" in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized the state's evolution from a "BIMARU" state to an "Expressway State."
Amid Vedic chants, the Chief Minister cut the ribbon, dedicating the expressway to public use. He stated that the expressway will provide world-class connectivity not only to Azamgarh but also to Ambedkar Nagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Gorakhpur, connecting eastern Uttar Pradesh to the mainstream of development and significantly easing travel from Patna to Delhi.
The Chief Minister highlighted the rapid expansion of the state's expressway network, noting that prior to 2017, only two expressways (Yamuna and Agra-Lucknow, which was incomplete) existed. Today, Uttar Pradesh boasts operational expressways like the 340 km Purvanchal Expressway, the 300 km Bundelkhand Expressway, and now the 91 km Gorakhpur Link Expressway. He added that construction is underway on six more expressways, including the 600 km Ganga Expressway, Lucknow–Kanpur, and the Ballia link. The Delhi-Meerut Expressway has already reduced travel time significantly.
The Chief Minister reiterated that by 2047, as India becomes a developed nation, Uttar Pradesh will play a leading role as a developed and self-reliant state. Criticizing previous governments, he claimed that before 2017, roads were indistinguishable from potholes, and development projects were stalled. He cited the example of the Purvanchal Expressway, where his government built a wider 120-meter expressway for `11,800 crore, significantly less than the ₹15,200 crore estimated by the previous government for a narrower 110-meter one. He also emphasized that national and state security would not be compromised, citing examples of operations like 'Sindoor', surgical strikes, and air strikes as demonstrations of New India's strength. He asserted that anyone attempting to breach security would face severe consequences.
The Chief Minister also spoke of the cultural and religious revival in the state, mentioning the Mahakumbh, the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and the development of various other pilgrimage sites. He highlighted the recent recruitment of 60,244 police personnel, including 12,045 women, as a testament to merit-based selection. The Chief Minister concluded by stating that new industrial clusters along the expressways would provide local job opportunities, ensuring the youth receive respect and recognition.
Uttar Pradesh as Expressway State of India
Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a leading state on India’s infrastructure map, especially concerning its expressway network. With the inauguration of the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, the state now accounts for 42% of the country’s total access-controlled expressway network, a significant increase from its earlier 38%. This share is projected to rise to 62% once the Ganga Expressway (594 km), connecting Meerut to Prayagraj, is completed and inaugurated. This means that for every 10 kilometers of expressway built in the country, 6 kilometers will be in Uttar Pradesh.
Benefits of Gorakhpur Link Expressway
The inauguration of the Gorakhpur Link Expressway marks a significant leap in regional connectivity, particularly for travelers to and from Nepal. This vital Uttar Pradesh expressway now extends close to the international border, enhancing travel convenience and opening up smoother access to New Delhi via the Purvanchal, Agra, and Yamuna Expressways.
Stretching 91 kilometers from Gorakhpur to Azamgarh, this four-lane expressway lies just 100 kilometers from the India-Nepal border, making it strategically crucial. It is poised to significantly benefit international trade, tourism, and passenger transit.
Gorakhpur, connected to Nepal through the Sonauli border, serves as a key gateway for various travelers. The new expressway enables a seamless journey from Gorakhpur to Lucknow in just three and a half hours, facilitating easier access to Uttar Pradesh’s capital and onward to major cities like Delhi and Agra for people from Nepal. This route will reduce travel time for tourists from places like Lumbini, Pokhara, and Kathmandu, boosting tourism and cultural exchange.
From a strategic standpoint, its proximity to the Nepal border will enable faster military mobilization and resource deployment during emergencies, strengthening national security and facilitating smoother trade with Nepal. Looking ahead, this expressway, alongside the upcoming Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway, will transform the region into a hub for trade and connectivity, exemplify Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as ‘Expressway Pradesh’, and foster deeper India-Nepal economic and cultural ties.
