Strategic Shift in Uttar Pradesh Road Policy
Uttar Pradesh Clears Six North South Road Corridors: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved six new North–South road corridors to bridge long-standing connectivity gaps between the northern and southern parts of the state. This marks a strategic shift from the earlier focus on east–west expressways.
The decision aims to connect more than 24 districts, reduce travel time, and support balanced regional development. The initiative is expected to improve logistics, attract investment, and generate employment across regions.
Administrative and Policy Backing
The proposal has received formal clearance from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has repeatedly highlighted the need for vertical connectivity over the last two years. The issue was also raised at the national level to align state and central transport priorities.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has prepared the execution framework. Cabinet approval for detailed cost estimates is awaited, after which construction activities will begin.
Static GK fact: Uttar Pradesh has India’s largest road network among states, with over 299,000 km of roads.
Key Corridors in Eastern Uttar Pradesh
One of the major projects is the Shravasti–Prayagraj corridor, covering 262 km and passing through Ayodhya, Sultanpur, and Pratapgarh. Several segments will be developed as six-lane greenfield highways.
Another corridor will connect Kushinagar to Varanasi via Deoria and Ghazipur. Partial upgrades are already complete, with further development 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. Execution responsibility will be shared by PWD, NHAI, and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The Lakhimpur–Banda corridor, stretching 502 km, will connect Sitapur, Lucknow, and Bundelkhand. This route will improve access to industrial hubs and agrarian regions, supporting rural and urban linkages.
Static GK Tip: Bundelkhand is a drought-prone region where infrastructure development is linked to migration reduction and economic stability.
Longest Corridor and Completion Timeline
The longest corridor will run 547 km from Bareilly to Lalitpur via Agra and Jhansi, integrating multiple expressways into a single continuous transport spine. This route will significantly enhance north–south freight movement.
The sixth corridor, from Pilibhit to Harpalpur, will connect forest areas, industrial zones, and Bundelkhand districts. All six corridors are targeted for completion within two years after cabinet clearance.
Static GK fact: Expressway integration reduces logistics cost by nearly 20–25% compared to conventional highways.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Uttar Pradesh Clears Six North South Road Corridors:
| Topic | Detail |
| Total corridors approved | Six North–South road corridors |
| Districts covered | More than 24 districts |
| Longest corridor | Bareilly to Lalitpur (547 km) |
| Key agencies involved | State PWD, NHAI, MoRTH |
| Major regions connected | Eastern UP, Bundelkhand, Nepal border |
| Target completion | Within two years |
