IAF jets touch down for opening of Agra-Lucknow Expressway

Adding to the festivities at inauguration of the project -- touted as an example of the developmental model of the Samajwadi Party government -- fighter jets of the Indian Air Force put up an impressive show and touched down on the expressway.

Inaugurating the project, Mulayam congratulated officials for completing the 302-km long six-lane expressway in a record two years time along with the chief minister who took personal interest in it.

"At the time of laying of foundation stone of the expressway, I had asked as to when it will be completed and when four years were asked for its completion I had refused to lay the foundation stone. Later, however, it was done giving 22 months for completing it. The result is before everyone to see that today the road is ready in two years," SP chief said.

The former chief minister said officials of the state have the capability to complete projects well within time.

"Earlier, it used to take 12 to 14 hours to reach Delhi and now the distance will be covered in far less time. It will be very beneficial for the people," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Akhilesh said the project would prove to be an example before the country as no other state had such a vast expressway. "Samajwadis will go to the polls on the back of such great work," he stressed.

"When roads are laid they lead to development...this road will connect capitals like New Delhi to Lucknow...it will have industries, petrol pumps and mandis along the route...on returning to power in UP, the SP government will take this expressway further till Ghazipur and Ballia in record time...

it will connect one end of the state to the other," he said.