15 companies show interest in Agra-Lucknow expressway

The 270-km expressway is estimated at Rs 10,500 crore

Top infrastructure companies today evinced interest in the proposed Agra-Lucknow expressway project in Uttar Pradesh.

The access-controlled Agra-Lucknow expressway running 270 km is estimated at Rs 10,500 crore.

UP Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) had organised a pre-bid conference at New Delhi.

Fifteen companies viz. GVK, GMR, Essel Infra, Vinci Concessions, Jaypee Infra, SREI Infrastructure, Supreme, PNC Infratech, Soma, Gammon India, Leighton – Welspun, IL&FS, Uniquest Infra, Transtroy and Punj Lloyd participated in the conference.

Senior state government officials assured the prospective developers all help in the smooth implementation of the project. Feedback Infrastructure Services and Redecon (India) is the project consultant.

The 6-lane eco-friendly expressway is proposed on minimum distance and minimal agricultural land formula through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

Improved road infrastructure was imperative to industrial development and inclusive socio-economic progress in the state, Gupta said adding the expressway would propel development along its route apart from saving travel time and cost.

Envisaged as a ‘smooth link’ from Greater Noida to Lucknow via Agra, the expressway – connecting Yamuna Expressway – would cut travel time between Lucknow and Agra from 6 hours to 3:30 hours.