The Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has become the nation’s first expressway to feature a night landing facility for Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets.
This strategic enhancement underscores the state’s commitment to bolstering both regional connectivity and national security. The 3.5-kilometre stretch of the expressway, located in Shahjahanpur, is now equipped to accommodate IAF fighter jets during nighttime operations. This advancement is particularly pertinent in the context of escalating tensions in the region, highlighting the expressway’s dual role in facilitating civilian transportation and serving as a critical asset for defence operations.
An airshow is scheduled for May 2 and 3 to showcase the capabilities of the newly developed airstrip. The event will feature night landing demonstrations, with the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh expected to be present, marking a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructure development. The Chief Minister recently conducted an inspection of the airstrip, emphasizing the project’s importance in enhancing Uttar Pradesh’s development trajectory. He announced plans to extend the Ganga Expressway from Prayagraj to Ghazipur, further improving connectivity across the state. The expressway is designed to accommodate six lanes, expandable to eight, with a Right of Way (ROW) width of 120 metres and a design speed of 120 km/h. Additionally, nine public facility complexes are being constructed along the route to provide essential amenities to travellers.
Security measures have been heightened along the expressway, with nearly 250 CCTV cameras to be installed on both sides of the airstrip. These installations aim to ensure safe passage and enable prompt police action in case of any suspicious activity, reflecting the state’s proactive approach to maintaining safety and order. The Ganga Expressway is part of a broader initiative to establish a robust expressway network across Uttar Pradesh. The state now boasts three expressways with landing facilities for fighter jets: the Lucknow-Agra Expressway, the Purvanchal Expressway, and the Ganga Expressway. Among these, the Ganga Expressway stands out as the first to offer a night landing facility, enhancing its strategic significance.
Beyond its military applications, the Ganga Expressway is poised to stimulate economic growth in the region. Plans are underway to establish an industrial hub along the expressway in Shahjahanpur, which is expected to generate employment opportunities for thousands of youth. Furthermore, the expressway’s extension to Ghazipur and its connection to the Bundelkhand Expressway via a link expressway from Farrukhabad are anticipated to accelerate the establishment of industrial units in Bundelkhand, fostering regional economic development. The Chief Minister’s recent visits to various sections of the expressway, including Hardoi, Shahjahanpur, and Hapur, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s timely completion. The expressway is slated for completion by November 2025, with construction progressing in four sections. The Chief Minister has instructed officials to maintain high-quality standards and expedite work in the remaining sections to meet the stipulated timeline.
The Ganga Expressway’s night landing facility in Shahjahanpur represents a significant advancement in India’s infrastructure and defence capabilities. By seamlessly integrating civilian and military needs, the expressway not only enhances regional connectivity but also fortifies national security, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects across the country.
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