The largest allocations include Rs 107.61 billion (Rs 107.61 bn) for an extension of the Ganga Expressway to Haridwar and Rs 79.68 billion (Rs 79.68 bn) for the Jhansi Link Expressway, with the state bearing the full cost of both projects. The Ganga extension is proposed as a six-lane greenfield corridor with provision for future expansion to eight lanes and is intended to improve connectivity between Bijnor, Lucknow and Haridwar. The Jhansi Link Expressway is designed to strengthen access to the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority region and the defence corridor around Jhansi. Detailed project reports and statutory approvals will be prepared before construction begins.
The Cabinet also approved Rs 2,722.5 mn for infrastructure development of an Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Cluster close to the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur, with a global tender to select the construction agency and the state meeting the cost of works. The cluster is intended to give prospective units access to an established high-speed road network and to attract both manufacturing and logistics investment while creating employment opportunities locally. Officials indicated that the works should support industrial expansion along the expressway corridor and improve supply chain efficiency for local producers.
Alongside infrastructure measures, the Cabinet cleared incentives for 11 projects with a combined proposed investment of Rs 55 bn, approving Letters of Comfort for eight projects totalling Rs 29,019.7 mn and for three projects totalling Rs 26,060.4 mn across several districts. Notable approvals include a Rs 15,736.2 mn aluminium beverage can unit in Unnao proposed to have an annual capacity of 1,300 mn units, a Rs 7,942.7 mn expansion in Bijnor with a planned maximum capacity of 75,000 t per year, and other medium sized investments intended to broaden the manufacturing base and generate employment. The finance minister said the Cabinet decisions aim to align expressway expansion with industrial development and support economic activity in adjoining areas.