Lucknow, May 7 (IANS): The Uttar Pradesh Expressway and Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has restarted the construction of 340 km-long Purvanchal Expressway by engaging over 50 per cent of the workforce.

The strength of workers before the lockdown was 10,000, of which about 5,000 have returned to work.

Media advisor to the UPEIDA, Durgesh Upadhyay said the majority workers were back at the site.

"They have been deployed while imposing social distancing norms. We hope the project would be expedited in days to come with help of more workers. Work began on April 20 with help of 4,000 workers and the strength of workers is rising gradually," he said.

The development comes two days after the state government issued an advisory to restart construction activity to revive the economy.

The offices of contractors have also opened in other districts through which the Purvanchal Expressway passes.

The state government has fixed Diwali deadline for completing the project and officials are hopeful that they would be able to complete work on time, despite the prolonged lockdown break.

The UPEIDA officials said that nearly 42 per cent physical work had been completed before the lockdown.

Similarly, work on the 297 km-long Bundelkhand expressway has also resumed with over 2,000 workers.