The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a significant step toward rejuvenating Bundelkhand by announcing a new link expressway connecting Jhansi and Jalaun.
Building on the success of the Bundelkhand Expressway’s connection to the Chitrakoot Link Expressway, the Jhansi-Jalaun Link Expressway, spanning approximately 115 kilometres, is set to become a game-changer. This expressway will not only bolster the industrial ecosystem of the Defense Manufacturing Corridor but also attract substantial investor interest.
The government is also developing a massive industrial city between Jhansi and Kanpur, spread over 36,000 acres across 33 villages — an area larger than Noida.
To spearhead this initiative, the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) has been established. This project aims to benefit the Defence Manufacturing Corridor nodes in Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Chitrakoot and Jhansi by providing seamless and efficient connectivity.
The 15.2 km Chitrakoot Link Expressway’s connection to the Bundelkhand Expressway will significantly boost tourism and the Defence Manufacturing Corridor units in Chitrakoot. As a region of immense religious and cultural significance, Chitrakoot, where Lord Shri Ram spent much of his exile, draws countless devotees each year. Enhanced road connectivity, alongside the development of an airport, will further increase tourist footfall, creating opportunities for local economic growth.
Additionally, the government has prioritised the development of a Pharma Park in Lalitpur, spread over 1,500 acres in two phases. With nearly 70 per cent of the required land already acquired, the project is progressing swiftly. Improved connectivity through expressways will foster an industrial-friendly environment, driving rapid development in the region.
The Yogi government’s commitment to the transformation of Bundelkhand underscores its dedication to creating a robust infrastructure network, fostering industrial growth, and improving the lives of local communities.
The Jhansi-Jalaun Link Expressway, estimated to cost Rs 1,300 crore, marks a significant stride in Bundelkhand’s development. Initially planned as a four-lane expressway, it is designed for future expansion to six lanes. The government has allocated Rs 228 crore for land acquisition, with Rs 220 crore already sanctioned in two instalments.
Bundelkhand and Purvanchal, historically overlooked in Uttar Pradesh’s development, are now central to the Yogi government’s agenda. A special industrial incentive policy prioritises these regions, ensuring they receive focused attention across various schemes, such as the UP AGREES Yojana for agricultural growth.
Bundelkhand is rapidly emerging as a solar energy hub. The Avada India Company has commenced electricity production in a solar park in Banda, while additional parks are under development in Jhansi, Lalitpur, Chitrakoot and Jalaun. These initiatives not only enhance electricity generation but also create local employment opportunities, contributing to the region’s economic uplift.
Water scarcity in Bundelkhand is being actively addressed by the government. Major irrigation projects like the Arjun Sahayak Canal have been completed, alongside dozens of small to medium-scale initiatives. The Ken-Betwa Link project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is poised to be a game-changer for both Bundelkhand and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, ensuring sustainable water supply for fields and communities alike.
The Yogi government’s comprehensive efforts in infrastructure, renewable energy, and water resource management reflect its unwavering commitment to reversing Bundelkhand’s historical neglect and unlocking its full potential.
