Gorakhpur-Shamli Expressway: Uttar Pradesh is set to add another milestone to its infrastructure with the construction of a 700-kilometer-long expressway connecting Gorakhpur in eastern UP to Shamli in the western part of the state. Approved by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), this new expressway promises to drastically cut travel time across the state and improve connectivity to popular destinations like Haridwar, Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Rishikesh.
UP’s Longest Expressway
With the highest number of expressways in the country, Uttar Pradesh is now planning its longest expressway yet. The six-lane greenfield corridor will reduce the distance between Gorakhpur and Shamli by 200 kilometers, allowing travelers to cover the journey in just 6 hours instead of the current 12. Beyond Shamli, the expressway will make travel to Haridwar, Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Rishikesh much quicker and more convenient.
Route of the Gorakhpur-Shamli Expressway
The 700-kilometer expressway will connect the eastern and western ends of Uttar Pradesh, passing through 22 districts and 37 tehsils. Key districts along the route include:
- Eastern UP: Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Siddharth Nagar, Balrampur, Bahraich
- Central UP: Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Badaun
- Western UP: Rampur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Sambhal, Bijnor, Amroha, Meerut, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli
Currently, travelers from western UP have to use the Agra-Lucknow Expressway to reach Gorakhpur, which is time-consuming. The new expressway will offer a direct route, saving both time and fuel.
Current Status of the Project
The NHAI has begun preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed expressway and has appointed a consultant for this purpose. Once the DPR is finalized, the land acquisition process will commence. The construction cost is estimated to be around ₹35,000 crore, and the expressway is expected to transform regional connectivity and economic growth.
Improved Connectivity to Popular Destinations
Once completed, the Gorakhpur-Shamli Expressway will make travel to western UP and nearby states faster than ever:
- Gorakhpur to Shamli: The journey will take just 6 hours.
- Shamli to Haridwar: A short 2-hour drive.
- Haridwar to Dehradun: Only 1 hour.
- Dehradun to Mussoorie: Another 1-hour drive.
- Haridwar to Rishikesh: A quick 30-minute journey.
Transforming Travel in Uttar Pradesh
The Gorakhpur-Shamli Expressway will not only reduce travel times but also enhance economic opportunities in the regions it connects. With better access to religious, tourist, and business hubs, this expressway will play a pivotal role in boosting infrastructure and development across Uttar Pradesh.
