The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has identified 1,500 acres for the project, which is expected to generate 450 megawatts of renewable energy. This capacity is sufficient to supply electricity to around 60,000 households.
The project will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with an estimated investment of ₹2,500 crore. The government has already held stakeholder consultations and plans to present the proposal for cabinet approval soon.
This initiative is part of a broader push to promote solar energy in the state and address the growing electricity demand.
Last year in October, eight solar power developers have had given presentations before the state government authorities on the project. These companies include Tusco Ltd, Torrent Power Ltd, Somaya Solar Solutions Pvt Ltd, 3R Management Ltd, Avaada Energy Ltd, Atria Brindavan Power Ltd, Erisha E Mobility, and Mahapreit.
The Bundelkhand Expressway spans 296 km (184 miles) and is a four-lane wide road, expandable to six lanes. It connects Kudrail village on the Agra–Lucknow Expressway in Etawah district to Gonda village on NH-35 in Chitrakoot district. It passes through seven districts: Etawah, Auraiya, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Banda, and Chitrakoot.
The plan is to cover this area with solar panels, separating agricultural land and installing fencing. The project is part of the state's Solar Energy Policy 2022, aiming to achieve 22,000 MW of solar power by 2026-27.
This expressway is expected to boost connectivity and economic development in the Bundelkhand region, and the planned solar power plant along the expressway will further enhance its sustainability and energy efficiency.
To recall, Uttar Pradesh already boasts of having India's first expressway powered by solar energy. Inaugurted in 2018, Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal (KGP) Expressway is India's first solar-powered expressway, featuring eight solar power plants along its 135 km length. The Indian government is working on 26 solar-powered expressways, which will facilitate the charging of heavy-duty trucks and buses. These expressways will also feature intelligent traffic systems to enhance road safety.
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