Uttar Pradesh is on the cusp of a major transportation upgrade with the impending inauguration of the 63-kilometer Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway. Officials anticipate the expressway will slash travel time between the state capital and the industrial hub of Kanpur from the current 1.5 to 3 hours to a mere 30-45 minutes. The project, built at an estimated cost of Rs 3,700 crore to Rs 4,700 crore, is designed as a six-lane corridor with a maximum speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour, promising a significant boost to connectivity and economic activity in the region.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalized the toll charges for the expressway, which are set to become effective upon its operational launch. While the exact inauguration date is pending final approval from higher authorities, reports suggest it could be as early as April 28. The toll rates have become a point of discussion, with a one-way trip for cars, jeeps, and vans estimated at Rs 275. A return journey within 24 hours will cost Rs 415. For frequent commuters, an annual pass option is available for Rs 3,075, allowing for up to 200 trips, which effectively reduces the per-trip cost to approximately Rs 15.30.
These toll rates represent a substantial increase compared to the existing Lucknow-Kanpur Highway (NH-27), where a one-way trip for light motor vehicles currently costs around Rs 95. The higher charges on the new expressway are attributed to the project’s complex engineering, which includes numerous structures such as bridges, flyovers, and an elevated section, including a 10-kilometer-long flyover, contributing to the increased construction cost.
The Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway aims to alleviate traffic congestion on existing routes and provide a smoother, faster commute for residents who frequently travel between the two cities for work. The expressway connects to key routes like the Kanpur-Lucknow Highway and the Unnao-Lalganj (Raebareli) Highway, enhancing regional connectivity further. Facilities such as petrol pumps, EV charging stations, ambulances, and police pickets are planned to be integrated at toll plazas to enhance commuter experience and safety. Over 100 CCTV cameras have also been installed along the expressway’s length for surveillance.
While the Purvanchal Expressway, which connects Lucknow to Ghazipur, is already operational and has been instrumental in improving access to cities like Ayodhya and Varanasi, a 38-kilometer link from the Lucknow-Kanpur Highway to the Purvanchal Expressway is also under development. This connecting route is being upgraded to a four-lane highway, further integrating the region’s transportation network.
The construction of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway has been completed in two key zones: 45.3 kilometers in Unnao (Zone-2) and 18.7 kilometers in Lucknow (Zone-1). Officials from the NHAI’s Lucknow division have confirmed that the project is over 99 percent complete, with only minor finishing touches and inspections remaining before the final clearance for public use is granted.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
