Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, inaugurated the 63-kilometer Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway in Lucknow on Monday. This project is set to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities from over two hours to just 40 minutes.
During the inauguration, Mr. Singh emphasized that the demand for a highway linking Kanpur and Lucknow has existed for many years. “Today marks the resolution of a long-standing traffic congestion problem between the two cities. I want to thank Nitin Gadkari for his swift action upon receiving information regarding this project. With the opening of this expressway, we have addressed a critical issue that has affected commuters for years. The foundation stone was laid in March 2019,” he stated.
Projects Inaugurated
In addition to the Lucknow-Kanpur expressway, projects also inaugurated included the six-lane Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway and the four-laning of the Hardoi-Lucknow National Highway (Package 4). Moreover, the foundation stone was laid for a four-lane flyover at Engineering College Chauraha, adding to the overall infrastructure enhancements in the region.
Detailed Project Report and Costs
Minister Gadkari noted that rising traffic between Lucknow and Kanpur, often resulting in hours-long traffic jams, led to the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) with an estimated cost of approximately ₹4,500 crore. The project’s goal is to provide world-class, safe, and efficient connectivity between these two bustling cities.
In December 2020, the Union government designated this expressway as National Expressway-6 (NE-6), underscoring its significance. Notably, it has become the first expressway in the country to be equipped fully with AI-based and modern traffic management systems. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) split the project into two packages to expedite construction, assigning the work to PNC Infratech. The first package features an 18-kilometer elevated stretch linking the Amausi and Shaheed Path areas of Lucknow.
“Despite challenges like dense population and land acquisition, engineers successfully navigated this complicated section utilizing cutting-edge technology,” said Mr. Gadkari.
Innovative Features of the Expressway
A remarkable aspect of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is its incorporation of advanced technology. The construction employed Automated Machine Guidance systems to enhance precision, strength, and durability, while also minimizing human error. Furthermore, the expressway features a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system that allows vehicles to travel up to 120 km per hour without stopping at traditional toll plazas. Instead, toll fees are automatically deducted using FASTag and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
Safety Measures Implemented
On the safety front, the expressway is equipped with significant modern safety features, including over 80 high-definition cameras, 16 Video Incident Detection Systems, and speed radars throughout the 63-kilometer stretch. An automatic challan for speeding violations is generated directly from a control room, as per an official government statement.
Final Remarks from U.P. CM Yogi Adityanath
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude to both the Defence Minister and the Road Transport Minister during his remarks. “As we inaugurate National Highway projects totaling over ₹4,850 crore here in Lucknow, I thank the Hon’ble Union Ministers and congratulate the citizens of the state. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision, New Uttar Pradesh is evolving into a model of good governance, characterized by excellent security and world-class infrastructure,” he said.
