Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to expand its road network, focusing on enhancing north-south connectivity to complement the existing network of expressways. The state’s Public Works Department (PWD) is charting a roadmap for comprehensive development across the region.
The plan includes six routes to bolster north-south links, spanning from Bijnor to Lalitpur, Moradabad to Agra, Pilibhit to Mahoba, Lakhimpur Khiri to Chitrakoot, Gonda to Prayagraj, and Basti to Mirzapur.
Currently, Uttar Pradesh ranks seventh in terms of highways and district roads per lakh population compared to industrially progressive states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, which boast better road connectivity.
The expansion aims to interlink the existing grid of national highways and expressways, reducing travel times between district headquarters, the state capital, and other regions.
This initiative is expected to lower logistics costs from 15 percent to under 10 percent of the state’s GDP and significantly reduce travel times from various corners of the state to Lucknow, making Uttar Pradesh more economically competitive.
The comprehensive plan involves upgrading and strengthening 2,000 km of the existing road network and developing 600 km of greenfield highways. This development will not only improve opportunities but also benefit regions like Bundelkhand and lead to increased traffic on expressways, generating additional revenue for the state.
