Modi Appeals to Bengal Voters During Ganga Expressway Launch in UP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi to make a direct appeal to voters in Bengal, where polling was underway. In his 25-minute address, he highlighted reports of strong voter turnout and described the process as taking place without fear. The 594-km expressway linking Meerut and Prayagraj was also presented as a major infrastructure development expected to reduce travel time and improve regional connectivity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Ganga Expressway & Bengal Voting Appeal

• PM Modi inaugurated the Ganga Expressway in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh
• He urged Bengal voters to participate actively in ongoing polling
• Voting in Bengal was described as “fear-free” after decades
• The expressway spans about 594 km between Meerut and Prayagraj
• Travel time is expected to reduce from 11–13 hours to 6–7 hours
• The corridor connects 12 districts across Uttar Pradesh
• Toll is distance-based, with estimated costs reaching ₹1,500–₹1,800 for full travel
• The project is expected to improve connectivity and mobility across regions

Modi’s Appeal to Bengal Voters During Inauguration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi devoted the opening segment of his speech at the Ganga Expressway inauguration to addressing voters in Bengal. Speaking at around 12:30 pm, while polling was underway nearly 900 km away, he urged citizens to participate actively in the democratic process.

He stated, “Many hours are still left to vote there. I appeal to the people of Bengal to participate in the festival of democracy with similar enthusiasm.”

Modi also pointed to political developments in other states, mentioning that the BJP-led NDA had won Assembly elections in Bihar and local body elections in Gujarat. He expressed confidence that the party would also secure victories in Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.

Also Read: PM Modi Launches Nationwide HPV Vaccine as India Targets 1.15 Crore Girls Annually

Reference to Ganga and Voter Turnout

During his address, Modi linked his recent visits to the Ganga with the ongoing electoral process. He said he had spent the last few days near the river, performed darshan, and visited Kashi.

He noted that reports indicated large voter turnout in Bengal, with people coming out in significant numbers. According to him, long queues were visible across social media platforms.

He added that, “For the first time in the last six-seven decades, Bengal is not voting in the shadow of fear,” describing it as a sign of a strong democracy. He also expressed gratitude to voters for being aware of their rights.

The Prime Minister had also taken a boat ride in the Hooghly on April 24.

Ganga Expressway: Scale and Connectivity

The Ganga Expressway is a major infrastructure project spanning approximately 594 km between Meerut and Prayagraj.

It connects 12 districts across western, central and eastern Uttar Pradesh, improving access for both daily commuters and long-distance travellers.

The expressway is designed to significantly enhance connectivity and reduce travel barriers across the state.

Key Specifications

The project is expected to provide faster and more efficient movement across regions and improve overall accessibility.

Travel Time Reduction and Utility

One of the primary advantages of the expressway is the significant reduction in travel time. The journey between Meerut and Prayagraj, which earlier took around 11 to 13 hours, is expected to be reduced to approximately six to seven hours.

This reduction is expected to benefit both daily commuters and long-distance travellers, particularly those travelling from the NCR region towards Prayagraj.

Toll Structure and Cost Perception

The expressway operates on a distance-based toll system, where users are charged according to the distance travelled. The toll for cars has been pegged at approximately ₹2.55 per kilometre, leading to an estimated cost of ₹1,500 to ₹1,800 for a full journey from Meerut to Prayagraj.

For larger vehicles such as buses and multi-axle trucks, toll charges increase significantly, with the highest category exceeding ₹9,000 for a single trip.

Despite this, the per-kilometre toll is not the highest among expressways in Uttar Pradesh. Comparisons with the Yamuna, Agra–Lucknow, and Purvanchal expressways indicate similar or slightly higher rates on shorter routes.

The higher total cost is primarily attributed to the expressway’s length, making it the longest in the state.

Balancing Cost and Time Savings

The overall toll cost has drawn attention, particularly because of the total expense for long-distance travel. However, the key trade-off highlighted is time efficiency.

By reducing travel duration by five to six hours, the expressway offers a faster alternative for commuters. The decision for users ultimately depends on how they value time savings against travel cost.

Infrastructure and Democratic Messaging Intersect

The inauguration of the Ganga Expressway combined infrastructure development with ongoing political engagement. While the project highlights improvements in connectivity and travel efficiency, the Prime Minister’s address placed equal emphasis on voter participation in Bengal. The reference to high turnout and fear-free voting underscores the broader democratic context in which the event took place, linking development initiatives with civic participation during an active electoral phase.

Spiritual Reflection on Duty and Awareness

In a broader perspective, both democratic participation and infrastructural development reflect human responsibility towards society. Spiritual teachings emphasise awareness, discipline, and conscious action in fulfilling one’s duties. 

According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, true knowledge guides individuals to act with clarity and responsibility in every sphere of life. Such understanding encourages people to contribute positively—whether through civic participation or collective progress—while maintaining balance, awareness, and ethical conduct.

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FAQs on Ganga Expressway & Bengal Voting Appeal