Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Operational, Aims to Accelerate Industrial Growth in UP.

Uttar Pradesh recently inaugurated the 63-km Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, a six-lane access-controlled corridor aimed at improving connectivity, freight movement and industrial linkages between the state capital and its largest industrial hub.

The expressway, built at an estimated cost of around ₹4,500 crore, has been designated as National Expressway-6 (NE-6). It reduces travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur from nearly three hours to around 35-45 minutes.

The project was conceived in 2018, with its foundation stone laid in March 2019 by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) divided the project into two construction packages, with PNC Infratech executing the work. The corridor includes an 18-km elevated section connecting Amausi and Shaheed Path in Lucknow and a 45-km greenfield stretch passing through 42 villages across Lucknow and Unnao districts. The project was completed after more than 1,600 days of construction.

Designed for a speed limit of 120 kmph, the expressway features a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system that uses FASTag and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology for automated toll collection, eliminating the need for conventional toll plazas.

Project authorities said the technology-driven tolling system will help reduce travel delays, fuel consumption and congestion. The expressway is also equipped with an Intelligent Traffic Management System, featuring more than 80 high-definition cameras, 16 Video Incident Detection Systems and speed radars for real-time traffic monitoring and enforcement.

Officials said the corridor will benefit daily commuters, including professionals, students, traders and industrial workers, while improving logistics efficiency and supporting industrial development between the two cities.

The project is also expected to strengthen the proposed State Capital Region around Lucknow and boost investment prospects in the region. As part of environmental measures, more than 46,000 saplings have been planted along the expressway.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the Centre has approved road infrastructure projects worth around ₹60,000 crore for Uttar Pradesh. He added that the state government’s plans include bypasses for cities with populations above five lakh and four-lane road connectivity to every district headquarters.

The inauguration programme, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, also saw the launch of three National Highway projects worth more than ₹4,850 crore, including the four-laning of the Hardoi-Lucknow National Highway (Package IV) and a proposed four-lane flyover at Engineering College Chauraha in Lucknow.

Adityanath said the state’s expanding expressway network, metro rail projects and airport infrastructure have improved connectivity and contributed to Uttar Pradesh’s economic growth. He added that enhanced north-south connectivity and the proposed State Capital Region would further support investment and regional development.