UP Chief Secretary Sets Firm February 2026 Deadline for Ganga Expressway, Pushes Faster Pace on Industrial Projects
By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary SP Goyal has directed senior officials to strictly adhere to the February 15, 2026, deadline for completing the ambitious Ganga Expressway, underlining the state government’s intent to fast-track critical infrastructure and industrial projects.
The instructions were issued during a high-level Project Monitoring Group (PMG) meeting, where Goyal reviewed the progress of several flagship initiatives that form the backbone of Uttar Pradesh’s industrial and investment strategy.
He also called for accelerated land acquisition related to the UP Defence Industrial Corridor and projects being developed by the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BUDA).
Focus on Flagship Projects
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary took stock of the Ganga Expressway, the Defence Industrial Corridor, BUDA projects, the Medical Device Park in Gautam Buddha Nagar, and the Pharma Park in Lalitpur.
He emphasised that timely completion is crucial not only for attracting domestic and global investment but also for stimulating industrial growth and generating large-scale employment across regions that have traditionally lagged in development.
Officials were reminded that delays in such mega-projects could have cascading effects on investor confidence and the state’s long-term economic roadmap.
BUDA Master Plan and Infrastructure Push
Special attention was given to BUDA, with Goyal directing officials to complete zonal and sector-level planning under BUDA’s Master Plan-2045 by March 31, 2026.
He stressed that planning clarity is essential to ensure orderly industrial growth in the Bundelkhand region.
To hasten on-ground development, the Chief Secretary instructed departments to issue work orders for water supply and power infrastructure in BUDA’s activation area within the current month.
He also ordered that construction of a 60-metre-wide arterial road—a key connectivity component—should commence without delay.
Investor Engagement and Land Allocation
Goyal further underlined the importance of regular engagement with investors who have already been allotted land under various state industrial schemes.
Officials were asked to proactively hold meetings with these investors to assess their construction timelines and anticipated dates of operation, enabling the government to closely monitor progress and ensure that units become functional at the earliest.
He also cautioned departments to allocate land to investors only after confirming clear availability, warning that premature or improper allotments could lead to disputes, litigation, and project delays.
Driving Economic Impact
Reiterating the broader objective, the Chief Secretary said that careful planning, inter-departmental coordination, and continuous monitoring are essential to ensure that these large-scale infrastructure and industrial initiatives translate into tangible economic benefits, particularly in employment generation, regional balance, and long-term industrial sustainability.
Officials present at the meeting were asked to submit periodic progress reports and ensure that bottlenecks—whether administrative, technical, or logistical—are addressed promptly.
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