The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved a proposal to sign a memorandum of understanding with Uttar Pradesh to extend the Ganga Expressway from Meerut to Haridwar, with the decision taken in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The state information director indicated that the two governments would complete project homework and move to implementation after the MoU is signed. The extension is intended to provide Uttarakhand with direct connectivity to the national expressway network and to enhance access for pilgrims visiting Haridwar and those undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. Authorities indicated that the project is likely to open new avenues for industrial investment and employment and to facilitate trade along the corridor. It is expected to integrate the state more closely with western Uttar Pradesh transport links. According to Uttar Pradesh information officials, the proposed extension is expected to measure 110 to 140 kilometre in length and is projected to reduce travel time between Prayagraj and Haridwar to seven to eight hours while improving connectivity to eastern Uttar Pradesh and the Char Dham route. The existing Ganga Expressway runs for 594 kilometre as a six-lane greenfield corridor, expandable to eight lanes, between Meerut and Prayagraj. The expressway was built at a cost of Rs 362,300 mn and traverses 12 districts including Meerut, Hapur, Sambhal, Bulandshahr, Hardoi, Amroha, Unnao, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Raebareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj. The route further includes a three point five kilometre emergency landing facility in Shahjahanpur district. The project is identified as a major economic corridor with plans for integrated manufacturing and logistic corridors across approximately 2,635 hectares along the alignment, which is expected to reduce logistics costs, boost manufacturing competitiveness and enhance supply chain efficiency. The proposed extension to Haridwar is anticipated to strengthen regional development by supporting religious tourism and attracting new investment to adjoining districts.