Project Overview

The Gorakhpur Link Expressway is a 91.352 km long expressway in Uttar Pradesh, at NH-27. It is a four-lane (Expandable to six lanes) expressway owned by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). The expressway starting from Jaitpur (District Gorakhpur) terminates at Salarpur (District Azamgarh), where it intersects with the Purvanchal Expressway. 

It primarily covers four districts: Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Ambedkar Nagar, and Sant Kabir Nagar, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Upon its operation on June 20, 2025, the expressway provides a hassle-free vehicular route between Lucknow, Delhi, and Agra. 

The Expressway is divided into two packages and operates under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model. Offering high-speed travel, the expressway will reduce travel time between Gorakhpur and Lucknow to three and a half hours via the Purvanchal Expressway. 

Project Background

The Gorakhpur Link Expressway was declared by the State Minister, Yogi Adityanath, in 2018. Its land acquisition process started in 2019. The project aims to boost connectivity between specific districts in Uttar Pradesh. It includes Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, and Azamgarh.

Its construction began in February 2020 with contractors Apco Infratech and Dilip Buildcon one of the top construction companies in India. The expressway is open to the public on June 20, 2025. It includes 7 flyovers, 7 major bridges, 27 minor bridges, and 2 toll plazas, built at a total cost of INR 7,283.28 crore. The expressway fosters economic growth, industrial development, and seamless regional connectivity.

Gorakhpur Link Expressway Completion Date

The Gorakhpur Link Expressway is operational and was inaugurated by UP’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, on June 20, 2025. Yogi discussed his aim to make Uttar Pradesh a self-reliant state and improve its infrastructure. 

The expressway marked a remarkable start to comfortable and time-efficient travel. The new, improved connectivity will smooth travel to Lucknow, Agra, and Delhi from Purvanchal. 

Project Timeline

Gorakhpur Link Expressway Route Map

Gorakhpur Link Expressway Route

The Gorakhpur Link Expressway starts from Jatipur on the Gorakhpur Bypass (NH-27) in Gorakhpur District. Its ending point is at Salarpur (south of Jabalpur). It will intersect with the Purvanchal Expressway in Azamgarh. 

Covering four major districts of Uttar Pradesh, namely, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Ambedkar Nagar, and Sant Kabir Nagar, it aims to reduce the travel time between Gorakhpur and Lucknow. It will connect to Varanasi through a separate link road.

Project Scope

The following is the project scope of the Gorakhpur Link Expressway.

• Underpasses: The Gorakhpur Link Expressway comprises 16 vehicular underpasses, 50 Light-Vehicle Underpasses, and 35 Pedestrian underpasses along the expressway. 
  

• Infrastructure: The Gorakhpur Link Expressway features 7 major and 27 minor bridges along the route. It further includes seven flyovers, 206-389 culvert boxes, and two main and three ramp plazas. 

• Use of ATMS: The expressway utilizes Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), which include CCTV inspection, speed cameras, and number plate recognition. It ensures safety and control. 

• Traffic Decongestion: The expressway aims to relieve traffic congestion on the existing roads and ensure safe travel. It allows a maximum speed of 120 km/hr. 

• ROW: The expressway has a 110-meter-wide Right-Of-Way (ROW).

• Environmental Protection: It incorporates hydraulic engineering, bioengineering, and environmental management into its design and execution to minimize erosion, manage flood risks, boost greenery, and align with sustainability goals.

Project Cost

The initial cost of constructing the Gorakhpur Expressway was INR 5,876.67 crores (approximately USD 703.79 million). The revised estimated cost for the expressway is now INR 7,283.28 crore. It includes both construction and land acquisition costs. 

Packages and Contractors

Benefits

• Reduced travel time: The travel time between Gorakhpur and Lucknow is now reduced to 3.5 hours. Initially, it took around 5 hours to travel. 

• Rise in township projects: The expressway boosts the industrial sector in the UP and establishes multiple industrial township projects. It includes Dhuriyapar’s 5,500-acre Greater GIDA.

• Multiple Jobs Creation: The project aims to create approximately 10,000 new jobs.

• Boosting trade and tourism: Its closeness to the Sonauli border improves cross-border trade, tourism, and defense cooperation with Nepal.

• National Expressway Mileage: The Gorakhpur Link Expressway increased UP’s share in the National Expressway Mileage up to 42%, positioning it as India’s leading highway state. 

• Improved Logistics: The expressway design supports smooth freight movement, reduces congestion on NH-27, and connects to the Dedicated Freight Corridor.
  

• Rise in Real Estate of Uttar Pradesh: The expressway leads to increased land values and investment interests. 

Conclusion

The Gorakhpur Link Expressway is a transformative project in Uttar Pradesh’s Road Infrastructure. Connecting Gorakhpur and Lucknow in 3.5 hours through the Purvanchal Expressway, it offers immediate travel to Agra, Delhi, and the India-Nepal Border. 

The expressway boosts the industrial sector and creates multiple jobs by establishing the foremost industrial townships, such as Greater GIDA. Its closeness to the Sonauli border improves cross-border trade, tourism, and defense cooperation with Nepal. 

Furthermore, the expressway contributes to an increase in Uttar Pradesh’s share of national expressway mileage to over 42%, solidifying its position as India’s leading highway state. 

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