LUCKNOW, Aug. 18 -- The 750-kilometre access- controlled expressway linking Panipat in Haryana with Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh is set to reshape connectivity, trade and movement across 18 districts in UP. One district en route is in Uttarakhand.

The alignment is now finalised and construction is expected to begin within the current financial year. An access-controlled expressway is a type of highway designed for high-speed vehicular traffic.

The project is coming up in two phases and is conceived as a highspeed greenfield facility. "The alignment is done. We expect the work on the project will begin within this fiscal," said Gautam Vishal, chief general manager and regional officer, NHAI.

Phase one, which will be 348.039 km in length, ...