Meerut: : Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the 594-km Ganga Expressway was broadcast live on LED screens across western UP, drawing thousands to panchayat grounds, schools, and public venues in districts, including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Sambhal, Amroha, Badaun, and Shahjahanpur. District administrations arranged tents, seating, water, and security to facilitate participation.Farmers welcomed the project, calling it long-awaited development.“The expressway marks a major milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure push, with western districts witnessing both immediate financial gains and long-term economic promise. This will serve as a new pathway to strengthen social harmony, boost trade and bring prosperity to farmers. It will also become a major source of employment for our youth,” said UP minister of environment, forest & climate change Arun Kumar Saxena.The expressway passes through 15 villages in Meerut, 21 villages in Hapur, 11 villages in Bulandshahar, 26 villages in Amroha, 42 villages in Sambhal, about 90 in Badaun, 53 in Shahjahanpur, 78 in Hardoi, 55 in Unnao, 43 in Raebareli, 41 in Pratapgarh, and 42 in Prayagraj.Nearly 18,000 acres were acquired, with compensation worth thousands of crores directly transferred to landowners—up to four times rural circle rates and double in urban areas. Western UP districts saw the largest payouts, including ₹1,800–2,000 crore in Meerut and Hapur, ₹1,250 crore in Badaun, and ₹1,100 crore in Shahjahanpur.In central UP, Unnao and Hardoi together saw compensation of about Rs 2,100 crore, while Prayagraj and Pratapgarh accounted for around Rs 900 crore, aided by relatively higher urban land values.Amroha farmers received ₹236 crore, alongside plans for a 140-hectare industrial “green corridor.”Officials expect the expressway to raise land values, spur industrial hubs, and transform western UP into an economic hub, reducing migration and creating jobs closer to home.Cars will be allowed speeds up to 120 kmph, heavy vehicles up to 100 kmph, while two-wheelers are barred.
