More than 98% of the construction work on the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, connecting Gorakhpur with the Purvanchal Expressway, has been completed, according to the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). The remaining work is expected to be finished by the end of June. This significant infrastructure project aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth in Uttar Pradesh's Purvanchal region.

Route and Infrastructure Details:

The Gorakhpur Link Expressway starts at Jaitpur on the Gorakhpur Bypass (NH-27) in Gorakhpur district and stretches to Salarpur, south of Jalalpur, meeting the newly inaugurated Purvanchal Expressway in Azamgarh district. Spanning across Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Ambedkar Nagar districts, the expressway includes 341 planned structures. As of now, 337 structures, including flyovers, underpasses, and bridges, have already been completed.

Economic and Social Impact:

Once operational, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway is expected to significantly boost economic, social, and industrial development in Uttar Pradesh's Purvanchal region. It will facilitate faster and smoother travel, reducing the travel time between Lucknow and Gorakhpur from over 5 hours to just 3.5 hours. This improved connectivity is anticipated to stimulate growth in agriculture, commerce, and tourism sectors, thereby creating more employment opportunities for local residents.

Key Infrastructure Features:

The 91.352 km-long expressway, built at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore, boasts a wide range of infrastructure elements including:

- Four flyovers

- 12 vehicular underpasses (VUPs)

- 29 light vehicle underpasses (LVUPs)

- 25 pedestrian underpasses (PUPs)

- Five major bridges

- Seven minor bridges

- 206 box culverts

The expressway features a spacious 110-meter right-of-way (ROW) to accommodate high-speed traffic flow and ensure safety.

Government Prioritisation and Future Prospects:

Considered a priority project under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's administration, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway is being executed in two phases under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode. The Uttar Pradesh government has also initiated plans to develop industrial corridors along the expressway, covering approximately 1,250 acres. This initiative aims to further enhance economic activities and generate employment opportunities in the region.

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With over 98% of construction completed and final touches underway, the Gorakhpur Link Expressway is set to revolutionise travel and development prospects in Uttar Pradesh. Its completion will not only reduce travel time between key cities but also pave the way for enhanced economic growth and connectivity across the state. As Uttar Pradesh gears up for the final stages of this transformative project, stakeholders anticipate its positive impact on the region's socio-economic landscape.