Uttar Pradesh, often known as the “state of expressways,” is preparing to launch another major infrastructure project — a 700-kilometre access-controlled expressway connecting Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh to Panipat in Haryana, according to a report by the Hindustan Times.
Expected to be one of India’s longest expressways, the ambitious corridor aims to boost inter-state trade and strengthen industrial connectivity between northern India’s two key economic regions.
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Detailed Project Report Under Preparation
“The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being prepared,” said Ankit Verma, Deputy General Manager (Technical) at the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He added that the access-controlled design will significantly improve road safety by reducing accidents caused by the unregulated entry of vehicles.
The upcoming expressway is planned to have four to six lanes, with provisions to expand it to eight lanes in the future.
Construction to Begin in 2026
Construction work is expected to commence in 2026 and be completed within two and a half years, Verma confirmed. “Different stretches will be assigned via tender to various agencies,” he said, adding that each construction package could cover 50 to 70 kilometres.
Initially conceptualised as the Gorakhpur–Shamli Expressway, the route has now been extended to Panipat to leverage Haryana’s industrial ecosystem. Panipat, known as a major manufacturing hub, hosts over 4,000 industrial units in sectors such as textiles, furniture, paper, and agro-based products.
Boost to Regional Trade and Employment
Officials believe the expressway will catalyze economic growth, facilitating smoother movement of goods and labour between Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Enhanced connectivity is also expected to support UP’s “One District, One Product” (ODOP) initiative by improving market access for handicraft and agro-based clusters across the state.
The proposed alignment will pass through Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Lucknow, Sitapur, Meerut, Amroha, and Pilibhit, while also connecting Bareilly and Moradabad. A major portion of the route will be greenfield, designed to ensure minimal disruption to existing infrastructure.
Land Acquisition and Environmental Planning
According to officials, the Uttar Pradesh government will assist in land acquisition once the DPR is finalised. The report will also outline environmental safeguards, including measures to minimise tree felling along the route.
“At some locations, the state may need to build or link additional roads to improve connectivity,” an official noted.
Once complete, the Gorakhpur–Panipat Expressway is expected to emerge as a vital economic corridor, cutting travel time, decongesting existing highways, and bolstering trade ties between eastern Uttar Pradesh and Haryana’s thriving industrial zones.
