Uttar Pradesh

• 23 Jan 2025

UP Cabinet Approves Key Projects at Maha Kumbh

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, held a significant meeting on 22^nd January, 2025, at the Maha Kumbh Mela site in Prayagraj.  

• The State government reiterated its focus on creating a safe, prosperous, and well-connected Uttar Pradesh, blending economic development with cultural pride. 

Key Points 

 Key Highlights of the Meeting:  

• Major Decisions and Announcements: 
  • The Cabinet approved a revamp of the State’s aerospace and defence policies. 
  • New incentives were introduced to attract substantial investments in these sectors, aligning with Uttar Pradesh’s vision for economic growth and industrial development. 
  • Two significant expressway projects received in-principle approval: 
    • Vindhya Expressway: A 320-kilometre-long project connecting Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Varanasi, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra. 
    • Vindhya-Purvanchal Link Expressway: A 100-kilometre-long expressway aimed at further improving regional connectivity. 
  • Significance: 
    • The Vindhya Expressway will link Prayagraj and Sonbhadra, starting from the Ganga Expressway and ending at National Highway (NH 39). 
    • The expressway will strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure and improve access to neighboring States like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. 
    • These projects are expected to boost social and economic development, particularly in the Vindhya and Purvanchal regions, while complementing the State’s existing network of expressways. 

Ganga Expressway 

• This expressway, connecting the state from east to west, will traverse 518 villages across 12 districts, significantly reducing travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj. 
• It is designed to accommodate six lanes initially, expandable to eight lanes, boasting a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour. 
• Another important feature includes two long bridges spanning the Ganga and Ramganga rivers, allowing even big planes to land. A 3.50-kilometer airstrip near Jalalabad tehsil in Shahjahanpur adds to the project’s versatility. 
• To enhance public convenience, nine public amenities complexes are planned along the expressway, with main toll plazas at Meerut and Prayagraj, and ramp toll plazas at 15 locations. 
• The Ganga Expressway is not merely a transportation link but a testament to Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to modernising its connectivity landscape.