Lucknow: The much-awaited Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway will be inaugurated on July 13, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expected to dedicate the project to the public. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are also expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.
Developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at an estimated cost of ₹4,700 crore, the 63-km six-lane access-controlled expressway is designed to significantly improve connectivity between Lucknow and Kanpur. Once operational, it is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities from nearly two hours to just 35–45 minutes.
Construction of the expressway began in 2020 and includes around 45 km of greenfield alignment and an 18-km elevated section. The corridor is equipped with modern Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), including PTZ cameras, speed radars, emergency call boxes, incident detection systems and variable message signs to enhance commuter safety and traffic management.
Officials said the expressway is expected to improve regional connectivity, reduce congestion on the existing Lucknow-Kanpur highway and boost trade, logistics, investment and urban development in the region. The project is also expected to provide faster and safer travel for daily commuters.
Preparations for the inauguration are underway, with authorities carrying out final inspections and beautification work along the corridor ahead of its opening to the public.
