UPSRTC plans hourly buses on Ganga Expressway, boosting Prayagraj-Meerut connectivity

Prayagraj: With the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) plans to introduce hourly bus services on this 594-km corridor, offering a major boost to connectivity between eastern and western Uttar Pradesh.In the first phase, eight buses will be deployed from Prayagraj. Of these, four will operate from the present temporary bus stand near CMP Degree College, while two each will be run from Pratapgarh and Lalganj.Similar proposals have also been sent from Meerut and Hardoi, and a unified timetable will soon be issued by the headquarters to ensure smooth and coordinated operations from both ends.The schedule will be designed in such a way that buses depart at staggered intervals throughout the day.Sources inform that all the buses on this route will be new BS-VI-compliant vehicles, each with a seating capacity of 52 passengers. The services are expected to begin next month once final approvals are received.Once operational, the service will significantly ease travel not only between Prayagraj and Meerut but also to key cities like Bulandshahr, Hapur, Hasanpur, Moradabad, Aligarh, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Rae Bareli and Unchahar.UPSRTC officials said a fare survey has already begun, and the final structure will be decided within a week. The rates will then be updated in ticketing machines before the launch of services. Currently, many passengers rely on trains like the Sangam Express from Subedarganj to travel to Meerut, but unavailability of confirmed tickets often causes inconvenience. The new bus service is expected to address this issue effectively.UPSRTC regional manager, Ravindra Kumar, said operations will commence immediately after receiving clearance from the headquarters.Meanwhile, officials from the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority highlighted the broader economic impact of the Ganga Expressway.The corridor is expected to save Rs 25,000-30,000 crore annually in logistics costs, generate nearly three lakh jobs over the next decade, and contribute over Rs 1 lakh crore to the state’s GDP.The expressway will also enhance freight movement, reduce transportation time and improve market access for farmers and small traders. Additionally, it will strengthen connectivity to major religious destinations like Prayagraj and Varanasi, boosting tourism and benefiting over eight crore people across the state.