The 63-kilometre Kanpur-Lucknow expressway is on the brink of completion, promising to reduce travel time between the two cities from nearly three hours to just 40 minutes. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have confirmed that the 45-kilometre greenfield section is almost complete, while 98 per cent of the 18-kilometre elevated stretch in Lucknow has already been constructed. The final connection to Kanpur Road is pending the relocation of a high-tension line tower near the Scooter India intersection.
The expressway, which forms a key part of Uttar Pradesh’s transport infrastructure, is expected to be operational by December 15, 2025. NHAI officials stated that once the high-tension line towers are fully relocated, technical teams will inspect road signage, streetlights, reflective markings, solar-powered blinking lights, and fencing before opening the route to public traffic. The elevated route will directly connect to Kanpur Road, completing the final link in the expressway. Currently, vehicles from Lucknow accessing the Azad Marg intersection face diversions due to ongoing work. Traffic from Kanpur-bound vehicles is temporarily rerouted via Gadankheda intersection and the Unnao-Lalangaj highway before joining the expressway near Koradi. Officials emphasised that these temporary diversions are necessary to maintain safety and ensure smooth traffic flow once the expressway opens.
In parallel, urban development around the corridor is gaining momentum. An IT City is being developed between Sultanpur Road and Kisan Path, with farmers holding land pooling agreements set to receive plots in Sector 5. A two-kilometre road linking the IT City to Kisan Path is under construction at an estimated cost of ₹5 crore. The project authorities have confirmed that the tender process for this connecting road has already been initiated, reinforcing the city’s integrated infrastructure plans. Urban planners describe the expressway as a transformative project that not only reduces commute times but also improves connectivity across key economic hubs in the region. With a safer, faster, and more environmentally sustainable route, the expressway is expected to reduce congestion on existing national highways, which are prone to traffic snarls and delays. Officials have highlighted that the expressway incorporates eco-friendly construction practices, energy-efficient lighting, and modern safety features, aligning with sustainable urban mobility objectives.
As the Kanpur-Lucknow expressway nears operational readiness, citizens and businesses alike anticipate a significant improvement in regional connectivity. The project is being closely monitored by experts to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and urban planning standards. Upon opening, the expressway is expected to catalyse economic development, improve logistics efficiency, and create a model for sustainable highway infrastructure in northern India.
Kanpur Lucknow Expressway Nears Completion Journey To Take Just 40 Minutes
