Expansion of road network in UP will be done in a way to enhance the north-south connectivity. Complementing the network of expressways public works department (PWD) is drawing up a roadmap to ensure development throughout the state, informs ET Infra.
Six routes are under consideration to improve the north-south link (Bijnor to Lalitpur, Moradabad to Agra, Pilibhit to Mahoba, Lakhimpur Khiri to Chitrakoot, Gonda to Prayagraj and Basti to Mirzapur).
In a review of the industrially progressive states, it was found that Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat as well as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh had better road connectivity. UP was at seventh spot when comparison of highways and districts roads available for per lakh population was done.
In the existing scenario, major national highways and expressways ease commute between east and west.
“The expansion of road network will focus on interlinking the grid of national highways and expressways. The north-south grid will bring down the commute time between district headquarters and state capital as well as to other parts of the state,” said engineer-in-chief and head of the department Arvind Kumar Jain.
At present, logistics cost account to 15% of the state’s GDP which could be brought down to under 10% with improved road network, said a document by PWD on steps required for boosting the economy of state by 2027.
Similarly, the travel time to Lucknow from various corners of the state will come down from present 8-10 hours to under 6 hours.
The complete grid formation will require upgradation and strengthening of 2,000 km of existing road network and development of 600 km of greenfield highways.
“Better road network brings better opportunities. Bundelkhand is going to benefit the most. Traffic volume will also increase on expressways leading to revenue generation,” said Jain.
