Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway: 568 KM Expressway to be Built at ₹73,000 Crore

Why in the News?

The revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the greenfield **Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway** has been prepared by NHAI with a total estimated outlay of **₹73,000 crore**, designed to boost economic activity and connectivity across UP, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Expressway Length & Route Alignment:

- The total length of the expressway will be **568 kilometres**, originating from Jagdishpur in Gorakhpur (UP) and terminating at Siliguri in West Bengal.

- State-Wise Route Breakdown:

- **Bihar:** The majority portion measuring **417 km** passes through 8 districts (Paschim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj).

- **Uttar Pradesh:** Spans 2 districts (Gorakhpur and Kushinagar), covering land across 164 villages (23 in Gorakhpur and 141 in Kushinagar). *Deoria has been excluded in the updated alignment.*

- **West Bengal:** Connects to the strategic hub of Siliguri.

- Project Outlay & Costing:

- Out of the total ₹73,000 crore expenditure, approximately **₹45,000 crore** is earmarked for civil construction, with the remaining allocated for land acquisition and utility shifting.

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Static GK Facts:

- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI):

- Established: **1988** (NHAI Act, 1988) | Headquarters: **New Delhi** | Parent Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

- Siliguri Corridor (Chicken's Neck):

- A vital strategic geopolitical corridor in West Bengal connecting Mainland India to North-Eastern States.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: What is the total length of the proposed Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway?

A: 568 kilometres

Q: Which Indian state accounts for the maximum stretch (approx 417 km) of the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway?

A: Bihar (across 8 districts)

Q: Under which Act was the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) constituted?

A: National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988

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