The commute between Uttar Pradesh’s two major cities is about to get much faster. The 63-km Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is open to traffic from today onwards, significantly cutting travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur. Scroll down to know more.
Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Opens Today
According to ET Now, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are all set to officially open the expressway. Once operational, the new highway is expected to reduce the travel time from the current two-and-a-half to three hours to just 35 to 45 minutes. The expressway links Shaheed Path in Lucknow to Chakeri in Kanpur and is a part of National Expressway 6. Additionally, around 30% of the upcoming highway is set to be elevated.
One of the biggest features of the project is its barrier-less tolling system, which makes it the first expressway in India to function without traditional toll barriers. While five toll plazas have been built along the route, travellers joining from the Outer Ring Road will not be charged. The rest of the four toll points will use a contactless toll collection system developed specifically to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving.
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More About Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway
Built as a six-lane expressway, the stretch has also been planned for future expansion to eight lanes. It links with three other expressways, improving connectivity for travellers and commercial traffic moving across several districts in Uttar Pradesh.
Developed using 3D Automated Machine Guidance (AMG) technology for enhanced precision and durability, the expressway has been built at a cost of around ₹4,700 crore. The foundation stone was first laid down in March 2019 and again on January 5, 2022, before the construction process picked up pace.
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The expressway is designed for speeds of up to 120 kmph and is expected to ease pressure on the congested 94-km NH-27 corridor. Besides making daily travel faster, it is also expected to reduce logistics costs and improve freight movement between Lucknow, Kanpur and nearby regions, further strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s expanding network of high-speed expressways.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Is the New Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway open?
The new 63-km Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway officially opens on July 13, 2026.
Is Ganga Expressway fully open?
Yes, the 594 km Ganga Expressway is fully open to the public and operational, having been officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Is toll started on Ganga Expressway?
Yes, toll collection has officially started on the Ganga Expressway.
