The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) commenced land acquisition for the 742 km Shamli–Gorakhpur corridor in Uttar Pradesh. The corridor will become the state's longest expressway and will traverse multiple districts between Shamli and Gorakhpur. NHAI said the move will facilitate expedited construction and clearances. The agency has issued preliminary notices and mobilised acquisition teams to coordinate with district administrations. The project alignment will pass through agricultural and industrial belts and is designed to improve connectivity between western and eastern regions of the state. The acquisition drive will follow applicable land laws and involve compensation and rehabilitation processes for affected landowners. Authorities have initiated surveys and notices to landowners as part of the statutory process. Valuation exercises and entitlement determinations have been initiated to ensure timely compensation and to address grievances. Officials said the expressway will reduce travel times, support freight movement and foster regional economic activity by linking production centres to markets and logistics hubs. The corridor will relieve pressure on existing national and state highways by offering a high-capacity route for long-distance traffic. Construction phasing and tendering schedules will follow completion of land acquisition and other clearances. NHAI will coordinate with state agencies for utilities shifting and environmental compliance. Local administrations have been directed to assist in outreach to affected communities and to expedite documentation to ensure timely disbursement of compensation. Stakeholders and transport industry representatives welcomed the progress and urged steady implementation to realise projected benefits. The acquisition marks a key step towards modernising the road network in Uttar Pradesh. Periodic reviews and monitoring arrangements will be put in place to track progress and compliance with environmental and social safeguards. State and central agencies will oversee coordination to align the corridor with broader infrastructure plans.