Ganga Expressway Manufacturing Hub: Yogi Government is developing Ganga Expressway as an Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Hub. Investments worth Rs 46,660 crore and huge employment opportunities are being prepared through 987 investment proposals in 12 districts.
Ganga Expressway Industrial Corridor: Uttar Pradesh is no longer limited to just laying a network of roads, rather these expressways are being made the backbone of industrial development. The new strategy of the Yogi government regarding the 594 km long Ganga Expressway is giving a big indication in this direction.
This mega corridor stretching from Meerut to Prayagraj is now being developed as an “Expressway cum Industrial Corridor” model. The government is preparing it as an Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Cluster (IMLC), where a huge network of industry, warehousing, logistics and supply chain will come up. Prime Minister Modi will dedicate the Ganga Expressway to the nation in Hardoi on April 29. With this, the industrial economy of Uttar Pradesh is expected to get a new momentum.
594 km expressway will become industrial growth belt
Under the scheme of Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), 12 Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Cluster (IMLC) nodes are being developed along the entire 594 km long Ganga Expressway. A total of 6,507 acres of land has been identified for these nodes. Each node has been designed keeping in mind its geographical location, transportation facilities and industrial potential. The government aims to turn this expressway into an “economic growth belt” rather than just a means of transportation.
987 investment proposals, potential of Rs 46,660 crore
The IMLC scheme has received an overwhelming response from investors. So far, 987 ‘Intents of Investment’ (EOI) have been received, through which investment potential of approximately Rs 46,660 crore has been expressed. This investment is expected to come mainly in manufacturing units, logistics parks, warehousing, e-commerce supply chain and agri-processing sectors. Experts believe that setting up industries along the expressway will make transportation of goods faster and cheaper, which will reduce production costs and increase competition.
Balanced industrial development in 12 districts
This corridor will directly connect 12 districts of the state, which will help in reducing regional inequality. Industrial activities are likely to increase rapidly especially in districts like Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli and Pratapgarh. There can be a big increase in local employment, business and economic activities in these areas. The focus of the Yogi government is no longer limited to just road construction, but to give a new direction to the state’s economy by connecting industry and employment with roads.
Hardoi can become a big industrial center
The selection of Hardoi by the Prime Minister for the inauguration of Ganga Expressway also shows the strategic importance of this district. Hardoi is included among the major nodes in the IMLC model. Here, industrial development has been planned in an area of 335 acres at 282 kilometer point. In the eyes of the government, this area can become an important center of logistics and manufacturing in the future.
Major IMLC nodes of Ganga Expressway
The detailed description of the proposed nodes on Ganga Expressway is as follows-
- Meerut: 10 km, 529 acres
- Hapur: 54 km, 304 acres
- Bulandshahr: 2,798 acres (largest cluster)
- Amroha: 74 km, 348 acres
- Sambhal: at 100 km, 591 acres
- Badaun: at 189 km, 269 acres
- Shahjahanpur: 255 km, 252 acres
- Hardoi: at 282 km, 335 acres
- Unnao: 422 km, 333 acres
- Rae Bareli: 517 km, 232 acres
- Pratapgarh: at 555 km, 263 acres
- Prayagraj: 601 km, 251 acres
The strategic planning of all these nodes is working towards converting the expressway into not just a road, but the largest industrial corridor of North India.
Big preparations to make UP a manufacturing hub
The IMLC model being developed along the Ganga Expressway is being considered a strong step towards making Uttar Pradesh a major manufacturing and logistics hub of the country. If the investment proposals get off the ground, this project will not only give new strength to the GDP of the state, but will also create employment opportunities for lakhs of youth. Expressways will not only make travel easier but will also open new avenues of development, investment and employment.