Lucknow, Oct. 27 -- At a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Cabinet approved selecting developers for four key link expressway projects to further strengthen the state's expressway network. Developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) through the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode, these projects are expected to cost about Rs.17,542.06 crore. Their construction will improve connectivity across the state's western, central, and eastern regions and make travel to the state capital, Lucknow, and the National Capital Region safer and more convenient.
The Cabinet approved the selection of developers for four projects: Package 1 and Package 2 of the Farrukhabad Link Expressway; the link expressway connecting the Agra-Lucknow Expressway with the Purvanchal Expressway; Package 1 and Package 2 of the Jhansi Link Expressway; and Package 1 and Package 2 of the Jewar Link Expressway.
The projects are targeted for completion approximately 3 years after developer selection. Thereafter, maintenance arrangements will be in place for 5 years. The state government will bear the total estimated expenditure on construction and maintenance of the projects. This proposal envisages no financial participation from the Central Government.
Developers have been selected based on the lowest financial bids submitted. Under the EPC mode, emphasis will be placed on ensuring the prescribed quality and timelines for project construction.
To develop a fast, convenient, and safe transport system in Uttar Pradesh, UPEIDA is constructing greenfield expressways. Currently, 5 UPEIDA-developed expressways are operational, while eight more are proposed. The new link expressways aim to improve connectivity to existing expressways and make travel between different regions of the state more convenient.
The Farrukhabad and Jhansi Link Expressways are expected to strengthen connectivity in their respective areas. Meanwhile, the project connecting the Agra-Lucknow Expressway with the Purvanchal Expressway will speed up travel between the state's western and eastern parts. The Jewar Link Expressway project will help improve connectivity between the Jewar region and the expressway network.
Implementing all 4 projects is expected to generate approximately 760 lakh person-days of employment, both directly and indirectly. Construction activities are likely to create employment opportunities for workers and in transportation, construction material supply, and other related sectors.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.