Prayagraj joins statewide celebration of e-way opening

Prayagraj: As the state witnessed inauguration of its longest highway corridor, the 594-km Ganga Expressway, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hardoi on Wednesday, Prayagraj too witnessed the historic moment at the terminating point of the expressway at Judapur Dandu village in Soraon tehsil. It became part of the statewide celebrations through live telecast of the main event. A programme was organised simultaneously at the Prayagraj terminal.The expressway, stretching from Meerut to Judapur Dandu in Prayagraj, is being seen as a game changer for connectivity, economy and regional development. Public representatives, including MP Praveen Patel, MLAs Guru Prasad Maurya and Deepak Patel and MLC Surendra Chaudhary, attended the local event, while district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma and chief development officer Harshika Singh briefed attendees about the project’s impact.Officials said the expressway will not only transform travel but also boost agriculture, industry, exports and tourism across the region. With reduced travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj from nearly 11-12 hours to just 6-7 hours, the corridor is expected to significantly cut logistics and transportation costs. It will also strengthen connectivity between western and eastern UP, positioning Prayagraj as key transit and economic link.The expressway is also expected to boost agricultural exports from Prayagraj division, which is emerging as an agricultural marketing hub. Agricultural marketing expert Dinesh Chandra said the expressway will provide farmers better access to export markets and reduce dependence on congested air cargo routes from Lucknow and Varanasi. Produce such as fruits and vegetables will now have faster access to national and international markets.In Pratapgarh, known for its large fruit belt, entrepreneurs believe the expressway will open new markets for products such as ‘aonla’ (Indian gooseberry) and mango. Industrial clusters planned along the corridor are also expected to house more than 100 units, expanding rural industrial activity.The project is further expected to boost tourism by linking Prayagraj to multiple religious corridors and promoting lesser-known rural destinations. Officials said improved road connectivity will encourage road-based tourism, supporting local economies along the route.