Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Construction Accelerated with Heavy Vehicle Ban to Ease Congestion
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented a two-month ban on heavy vehicles, effective immediately after the Holi festival, extending through to mid-May 2025. This initiative aims to eliminate traffic disruptions that have hindered the smooth progression of the construction, particularly the vital task of placing girders on the elevated stretch of the road between Daroga Kheda and Bani.
Heavy vehicles, including trucks and multi-axle trailers, often become bottlenecks, causing delays not only for construction but also for everyday commuters. With an average of 100,000 heavy vehicles plying the route daily, the ban is expected to alleviate congestion and prevent long-lasting traffic snarls, which are commonly caused when these large vehicles struggle to navigate narrow turns or get stuck on sharp bends. As a result, light vehicles will experience a much smoother journey, and the roadwork required to complete the elevated road can continue without further hindrance. The diversion plan for heavy vehicles has been mapped out to ensure minimal inconvenience. Vehicles travelling from Lucknow to Kanpur will be rerouted via the Outer Ring Road and a slip road near Daroga Kheda, while those heading in the opposite direction from Kanpur will be directed towards Dahi Chowki and further onto the Purvanchal Expressway via Bani, Mohanlalganj, and Gosaiganj. These rerouting measures have been designed to manage traffic effectively, allowing the construction work to proceed on schedule.
However, the greenfield stretch of the expressway, which spans from Bani to Hinaura, will remain unaffected by the heavy vehicle restrictions. This part of the project is progressing at an impressive pace, with land acquisition and construction moving forward without major delays. The current disruption is thus limited to specific sections of the road, ensuring that the overall timeline for the project is not significantly impacted.
This temporary ban is also being hailed as a step towards creating more sustainable, congestion-free roadways that align with the larger goal of promoting eco-friendly infrastructure. With fewer trucks on the road, air quality around the expressway is expected to improve, making this a crucial part of the government’s broader push to build greener, smarter cities. The Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is being built with the future in mind, incorporating modern technologies to create a seamless transportation corridor that will significantly cut travel time between the two cities. But in order to realise this vision, it is critical that the current construction hurdles be swiftly cleared, and the NHAI’s decision to regulate the flow of heavy vehicles stands as a timely and effective solution. As commuters prepare for changes in their daily routes, it is vital that everyone remains informed about the new diversions to ensure smooth transitions and avoid unnecessary delays. This move, while temporary, underscores the need for a well-coordinated approach to urban infrastructure development that not only speeds up construction but also enhances the overall travel experience for everyday citizens.
