Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Set To Cut Travel Time By Nearly 2 Hours

The much-awaited Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway launch is now almost ready and is expected to completely transform travel between two of the state's busiest cities, Lucknow and Kanpur. For years, commuters have dealt with traffic, delays, and frustrating journeys on the existing NH-27 route. But that is about to change. Once operational, this new corridor will reduce travel time, improve road safety, and make daily travel easier.

Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Will Significantly Impact Traffic And Travel Time

The Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is a newly built six-lane access-controlled expressway designed to create a faster and smoother link between Uttar Pradesh's capital and its major industrial hub. It is a 63-km high-speed corridor connecting major entry and exit points between the two cities.

This new route will directly connect with the existing Kanpur-Lucknow Highway and the Unnao-Lalganj (Raebareli) Highway. The biggest highlight of this expressway is its impact on travel time. Right now, the 94-km Lucknow-Kanpur stretch often takes 2.5 to 3 hours, especially during rush hours. The new expressway changes that completely. With a maximum speed limit of 120 km/h, commuters will be able to cover the journey in just 30 to 45 minutes.

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Opening Date And Toll Rates

Photo: Pexels

The project was initially expected to open on April 21, but the schedule was later revised. According to Times Now, the new target date is May 24. The inauguration is expected to be carried out by Narendra Modi. Once official clearance is granted, the road will open to public traffic immediately.

The expressway is set to make travel more convenient, and it comes at a higher toll cost compared to the current route. At present, travelling on NH-27 costs around Rs 95 one-way for cars. The new toll rates finalised by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are significantly higher.

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Light Commercial Vehicles:

• One-way: Rs 445
• Return: Rs 670

Bus and Truck:

• One-way: Rs 935
• Return: Rs 1,405

Heavy Commercial Motor Vehicles:

• One-way: Rs 1,020
• Return: Rs 1,530

The expressway is expected to become a major economic driver for the state by boosting trade between industrial and commercial zones, supporting faster freight movement, making inter-city commuting practical, and thereby reducing traffic pressure on existing highways.

For anyone who regularly travels between Lucknow and Kanpur, this expressway could be a game-changer.