Ganga Expressway to boost UP’s Sambhal, Jain and Mahabharat tourism circuits

Lucknow: The newly inaugurated 594-km Ganga Expressway will significantly benefit Uttar Pradesh’s Mahabharat Circuit, Jain Circuit and Sambhal’s emerging religious tourism profile by making several destinations faster and easier to access.Stating this on Wednesday, tourism minister Jaiveer Singh said that for tourists, the new corridor means faster road journeys, easier weekend travel, smoother pilgrimage circuits and access to destinations that earlier remained outside short-trip plans.“Among the key beneficiaries is Hastinapur in Meerut district, a major Mahabharat-era site and prominent Jain pilgrimage centre. Improved connectivity is likely to increase tourist inflow to Hastinapur, including attractions such as Pandeshwar Mahadev Temple, Karan Mandir, Ulta Khera and the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary,” he said.“Sambhal’s religious tourism potential is also set to expand,” the minister said, adding, “While destinations including Brajghat Garhmukteshwar in Hapur, Avantika Devi Temple in Bulandshahr, Lakshagriha in Baghpat and several temple circuits across Amroha, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj are expected to witness higher visitor numbers.”The expressway is also likely to promote integrated travel experiences by linking pilgrimage sites with ecotourism attractions such as Nawabganj and Prayagraj’s Blackbuck Reserve.