<p>CM Yogi Adityanath <br></p>

LUCKNOW: While reviewing progress of the Purvanchal Expressway, which has a deadline of 2020, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday expressed anger over delay in acquisition of land for the project in Sultanpur, Azamgarh, Mau and Ghazipur and said district-level officials, who do not hit the field should be axed, sources said. Also, Yogi wanted those over 50 years of age be given compulsory retirement, an official said. Sources in UPEIDA said 20% of road construction on Purvanchal Expressway was complete.

The CM told officials that work on bridges and rail overbridges should start within a month and a half and UPEIDA should collaborate with the railway ministry to expedite the project. "Project managers have been asked to remain on site to ensure work is completed within deadline. If any shortcomings are found during audit, the project manager will be answerable," said an official.

Also, the alignment for Ganga Expressway was finalised after the chief minister reviewed its progress on Wednesday. Sources said the CM has given a go-ahead to the alignment of the corridor, which will connect Ballia in eastern UP with national capital Delhi.

"Based on the presentation before the CM, he said it should be now fixed on ground. Work will start immediately and we should have the alignment finalised shortly," said a senior official who attended the meeting.

All notifications should be issued immediately to stop unauthorised sale of land in areas which will be covered by the expressway, he said.

The CM also reviewed the defence corridor, saying leather industries in Kanpur and Agra should also be linked with the project along with cottage industries. He directed the chief secretary to review projects of more than Rs 50 crore every 15 days. Those worth more than Rs 100 crore will be monitored by officials in chief minister's office and the CM will review them himself once a month.

