Gorakhpur Link Expressway set to become Eastern Uttar Pradesh’s new development gateway

Gorakhpur : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the Gorakhpur Link Expressway on Friday, marking a major boost to road connectivity in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The inauguration ceremonies will be held at both ends of the 91.35-kilometre expressway — at Salarpur in Azamgarh and Bhagwanpur toll plaza near Gorakhpur. After the formal launch and public address in Azamgarh, the Chief Minister will travel along the expressway to Gorakhpur, where he will conclude the inauguration with another address. The expressway is being hailed as a new gateway for the region’s development.

The Gorakhpur Link Expressway stretches from Jaitpur (near NH-27) in Gorakhpur to Salarpur in Azamgarh, where it connects to the Purvanchal Expressway. Spanning four districts—Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, and Azamgarh—the fully access-controlled, four-lane expressway is designed for future expansion to six lanes.

The project, including land acquisition, has a total cost of Rs 7,283.28 crore. Construction was divided into two phases: Jaitpur to Phulwaria (48.317 km) by APCO Infratech Pvt Ltd, and Phulwaria to Salarpur (43.035 km) by Dilip Buildcon Ltd.

A model of smooth and efficient travel

The Gorakhpur Link Expressway is set to become a benchmark for ease of travel. It will notably reduce travel time between Gorakhpur city and its southern areas such as Urwa, Dhuriyapar, Khajni, and Belghat. Travel from Gorakhpur to Urwa, which currently takes around an hour, will now take just 20–25 minutes via the expressway. Moreover, the expressway provides a swift and convenient route from Gorakhpur to Lucknow. With its access-controlled design and linkage to the Purvanchal Expressway, the journey from Gorakhpur to Lucknow will take just about three and a half hours. The route also offers improved connectivity to Delhi and Agra, ensuring a faster and safer travel experience.

CM to travel on the expressway after inauguration in Azamgarh

After inaugurating the Gorakhpur Link Expressway at Salarpur in Azamgarh and addressing a public meeting, CM Yogi Adityanath will travel along the expressway with his convoy. During the journey, he will halt at the newly constructed bridge over the Ghaghara River at Kamharighat for an inspection lasting around 10 minutes. He will then proceed to Bhagwanpur toll plaza in Gorakhpur, where he will formally conclude the inauguration and deliver another address. The CM is expected to cover approximately 86 kilometres via the expressway.

CM to flag off security fleet at Bhagwanpur toll plaza

During the event at the Bhagwanpur toll plaza, CM Yogi will flag off the UPEIDA security fleet designed for commuter safety on the expressway. The fleet comprises five Innovas, five Campers, four ambulances, two cranes, and one Hydra vehicle. A full rehearsal of the security deployment was conducted on Thursday at the toll plaza.

CM to visit Photo gallery visit, interact with construction personnel

The Chief Minister will visit photo galleries set up by UPEIDA at both Azamgarh and Gorakhpur ends of the expressway. He will also pose for photographs with personnel from the construction agencies to appreciate their contribution and boost their morale.

CM to plant sapling near toll plaza

To mark the occasion, CM Yogi will plant a sapling of Harishankari near the Bhagwanpur toll plaza. Ministers and public representatives accompanying him will also participate in the plantation ceremony, commemorating the event with a green initiative.