Uttar Pradesh Approves Six North–South Road Corridors

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved six new North–South road corridors to address long-standing connectivity gaps across the state. The initiative aims to connect more than 24 districts, cut travel time between northern and southern regions, and support balanced regional development. The project is expected to significantly enhance logistics efficiency, investment prospects, and employment generation.

Strategic Push for North–South Connectivity

The plan has received formal approval from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, marking a shift from the state’s earlier emphasis on east–west expressways. Over the past two years, the Chief Minister has consistently advocated the need for vertical connectivity and raised the issue with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The Public Works Department (PWD) has prepared execution plans, with cabinet approval for cost estimates expected soon.

Key Corridors in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Among the major routes is the Shravasti–Prayagraj corridor, spanning 262 km and passing through Ayodhya, Sultanpur, and Pratapgarh. Several stretches will be developed as six-lane greenfield highways to integrate with existing expressways. Another important corridor will link Kushinagar with Varanasi via Deoria and Ghazipur, with partial upgrades already in place and further works planned at an estimated cost of ₹342 crore.

Border, Bundelkhand, and Central Routes

A 295 km corridor from the Nepal border at Pipri to Prayagraj will strengthen cross-border and regional connectivity, with responsibilities shared between PWD, National Highways Authority of India, and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The 502 km Lakhimpur–Banda corridor will connect Sitapur, Lucknow, and Bundelkhand, improving access to industrial and agrarian regions.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Six North–South corridors will connect over 24 districts in Uttar Pradesh.
• Projects aim to integrate major expressways such as Purvanchal, Ganga, and Yamuna.
• Execution involves both state PWD and central agencies like NHAI.
• Targeted completion timeline is within two years.

Longest Stretch and Completion Timeline

The longest corridor, running 547 km from Bareilly to Lalitpur via Agra and Jhansi, will integrate multiple expressways into a continuous transport spine. A sixth corridor from Pilibhit to Harpalpur will further link forest, industrial, and Bundelkhand regions. Construction is expected to begin after cabinet clearance, with all six corridors slated for completion within two years.