Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Akhilesh Yadav has said that roads give an impetus to development and this process commences with the construction of roads. Agra-Lucknow Expressway would be beneficial for the whole state. Through this expressway state capital has been directly connected with the national capital which would considerably reduce the journey time. While praising the efforts of officers and construction companies in finishing this expressway in record time of 23 months, he said that the quality of this project is of high standards. Referring to the air strip constructed on the expressway he said that this place would always remain identified. That is why the Indian Air Force has selected it as an optional air strip which would help our air force to operate fighter planes during emergency situations.
The Chief Minister was speaking today in Khambauli (Bangarmau) district Unnao during the inauguration ceremony of the country’s longest 6-lane Agra-Lucknow Expressway. While dedicating this expressway to the people on the occasion of the birthday of former Defence Minister and MP Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav, he said that reference for this project was also included in the manifesto. This expressway was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mr. Akhilesh Yadav and former Defence Minister & MP Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav.
The Chief Minister said that at the time of foundation stone laying ceremony Netaji has stressed on completing this project in 22 months, which the state government has delivered. While completing the longest expressway of the country in minimal time, the Samajwadi Government has given a befitting reply to those who cast apprehensions on the capability of the state in completing projects during the stipulated time period.
Mr. Yadav said that the expressway is an example for the country. It is also a reply for those who say that Uttar Pradesh is a backward state. This expressway would help in development and facilitate the people. Roads are the backbone of development. This expressway would speed up the pace of development. The distance between cities and villages situated on this expressway would also get reduced. While appealing the people to drive within the speed limit when this expressway opens, he said that chances of accident on a good road increase considerably because the driver is unable to control the speed of the vehicle.
While referring to the various development works of the present state government the Chief Minister said that works accomplished by the Samajwadi Government are an example for other state governments. AgraLucknow Expressway would make traffic smooth. Agriculture produce markets (mandis) being developed along this expressway would benefit the farmers. Citing the example of G.T. Road he said the manner in which trade and commerce developed along with this road, in the same way AgraLucknow Expressway would act as an engine for development of the state in the coming times. Along with this expressway many industries and 3 enterprises would be established resulting in the improvement of state’s economy and creation of employment opportunities.
Mr. Yadav said that the work of construction of expressway is not going to end here. After coming to power for the second time, Lucknow to Ballia Samajwadi Poorvanchal Expressway will also be constructed in record time and the eastern part of the state would be provided an opportunity to develop. For this, 40 percent land has been acquired. The Samajwadi Government has not only completed Agra-Lucknow Expressway in record time but has also finished the first phase of Lucknow Metro Rail Project in a very short time period. Lucknow Metro Rail Project will be inaugurated on 1st December, 2016. Referring to the other important schemes of the state government he said that free laptops have been distributed to approximately 18 lakh students. 55 lakh poor families have been provided economic assistance through Samajwadi Pension Yojana which is the largest social security scheme of the country.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is working in an equitable manner. Village and city, both have been developed. While referring to the efforts about providing basic facilities like-road, electricity and water, he said after getting a fresh mandate in future these efforts will continue as well and a new record would be established. No one can compete with the Samajwadis regarding development. He said that this expressway has been constructed by Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). Lauding the efforts of the Chief Executive Officer of UPEIDA & Principal Secretary Mr. Navneet Sehgal in expediting this project he regretted that due to injury in a road accident Mr. Sehgal is not present for the inauguration of this project. He wished Mr. Sehgal a speedy recovery.
Mr. Yadav congratulated the Air Force Officers for selecting AgraLucknow Expressway as an optional air strip for the Indian Air Force. He said that the state government would provide all possible cooperation. It may be recalled that a 3.3 km. long air strip has been constructed for the landing of fighter planes of the Indian Air Force. He expressed grief at the death of large number of passengers in a rail accident in Kanpur on 20th November, 2016. He said that the state government is providing all possible help to the injured.
On this occasion, MP and former Defence Minister Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav while appreciating the efforts of the Chief Minister and the state government, said that at the beginning this project was to be completed in 4 years. The state government has done a commendable job in completing this project in less than 2 years when he said to do so. While praising the capabilities of the officers of the state he said that after independence maximum number of roads and bridges have been constructed during the tenure of the Samajwadi Government. Describing Agra-Lucknow Expressway as the best road of the country he said that the expressway of this kind is nowhere in India.
Former Defence Minister said that those who say that Uttar Pradesh is a backward state must come here and see the efforts of the state government. He said that Uttar Pradesh is number one in the country in many fields. While referring to education, health, road, electricity, water and employment as priorities of the Samajwadi Government he said that the work done in the state in these sectors is unparalleled in the country. Progress of the state as well as the nation depends upon focusing on these sectors. Here in UP education and health care is free. There is provision of free treatment of cancer and cardiac diseases.
Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav referred to the medical facilities available in Uttar Pradesh Medical University, Saifai (Etawah) and said that patients get high quality treatment there. State Government has provided employment to a large number of people. Appointment process has been completed in police department in a large scale. He lauded the efforts of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr. Mohammad Azam Khan in establishing Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur and said that its standard is better than Aligarh Muslim University.
On this occasion, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr. Mohammad Azam Khan, MPs Mr. Ram Gopal Yadav and Mr. Kiranmoy Nanda, State President of Samajwadi Party Mr. Shivpal Singh Yadav, Senior Journalist Mr. Ved Pratap Vaidik, Chief Advisor to CM Mr. Alok Ranjan and Principal Secretary Investment and Industrial Development Mr. Rama Raman also expressed their views.
Later on, fighter planes of the Indian Air Force presented an air show and landing as well as take-off of a fighter plane on the air strip of the expressway. This included Mirage-2000 and Sukhoi-30 planes.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister released a coffee table book ‘Making of Agra-Lucknow Expressway’. Appreciation certificates were also presented to the officers of UPEIDA. Officers of Indian Air Force expressed gratitude to the state government for construction of the air strip. They said that this air strip would greatly contribute in the nation’s defence and also in delivering relief material during disaster situations.
It may be recalled that the foundation stone for Agra-Lucknow Expressway was laid on 23rd November, 2014. Country’s longest 6-lane Agra-Lucknow Expressway has been constructed in 23 months. 20,000 labours, 1500 skilled labours, 1000 engineers finished this task with the help of 3000 machines. Advance Traffic Management has been adopted for this expressway which would help traffic movement in fog. For completing the project 3500 hectare land was procured in only 6 months from 30,000 farmers with their full agreement. With a provision of 8-lane expansion, all bridges, culverts, under pass and other structures have been constructed keeping this in view. For completing this project 8-lane bridges have been constructed on Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Beside 4 railway over bridges have also been constructed. This expressway has been linked with DelhiAgra Yamuna Expressway.
On this occasion, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mr. Mata Prasad Pandey, Basic Education Minister Mr. Ahmad Hasan, Political Pension Minister Mr. Rajendra Chowdhary, MPs Mrs. Dimple Yadav, Mrs. Jaya Bachchan. Mr. Dharmendra Yadav, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mrs. Anita Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Parth Sarthi Sen Sharma, senior officers of the Indian Air Force were also present.