New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay foundation stone of Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh on December 18.

The Expressway from Meerut to Prayagraj will pass through 12 UP districts and connect western and eastern regions of the state.

In a statement Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone of Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur at around 1 p.m. on December 18. "The inspiration behind the Expressway is the vision of the Prime Minister to provide fast paced connectivity across the country. The 594 km long six-lane Expressway will be built at a cost of over Rs 36,200 crore," the PMO said.

Ganga Expressway will start near the Bijauli village in Meerut and will extend till near the Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj. It will pass through Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj.

Upon completion of work, it will become the longest expressway of Uttar Pradesh, connecting the western and eastern regions of the state. A 3.5 km long air strip for assisting emergency take-off and landing of Air Force planes will also be constructed on the Expressway in Shahjahanpur. An industrial corridor is also proposed to be built along the Expressway.

"The Expressway will also give a fillip to multiple sectors including industrial development, trade, agriculture, tourism etc. It will provide a big boost to the socio-economic development of the region," the PMO added.