Lucknow Kanpur Expressway Nears Completion Travel Time Reduced Dramatically
Lucknow: Commuters between Lucknow and Kanpur are poised for a major relief as the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway nears completion, promising a significant reduction in travel time. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has confirmed that the six-lane, 63-kilometre highway is almost ready, with only minor finishing tasks pending. Officials expect the project to be completed by early December, followed by a formal inauguration.
The expressway, designated as National Expressway 6 (NE 6), will run parallel to the existing NH-27, connecting Shaheed Path in Lucknow with Azad Marg in Kanpur. The new corridor will also pass through key regions including Bani, Kantha, and Amarsas, integrating the transport network for the Awadh region. Once operational, travel time between the two major cities is expected to reduce from the current 1.5–3 hours to just 35–40 minutes.
Construction progress includes the ongoing installation of monopoles along the route. The expressway will feature five toll plazas at Miranpur Pinwat, Khandedev, Bani, Lalganj, and Amarsas, aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow while generating revenue for maintenance and future upgrades. Designed to be expandable to eight lanes, the highway will accommodate future growth in traffic volume, aligning with the state’s sustainable infrastructure planning.
The project has also included extensive land acquisition covering 42 villages in Lucknow and Unnao districts, with compensation of approximately Rs 800 crore provided to local farmers. Officials highlight that careful planning has been undertaken to minimise environmental disruption, maintain ecological balance, and implement flood mitigation along the expressway’s corridor.Experts emphasise that this expressway is not merely a transport upgrade but a strategic economic intervention. Reduced travel times are expected to stimulate regional trade, facilitate logistics efficiency, and boost tourism potential between the two cities. Moreover, the infrastructure aligns with long-term urban planning objectives, including sustainable mobility, reduced carbon emissions from traffic congestion, and equitable access for commuters.The expressway is positioned to be a flagship infrastructure project for Uttar Pradesh, showcasing modern highway engineering and urban connectivity. Authorities are now conducting final inspections and a trial run to ensure operational safety before opening the route to the public.
