NHAI shares update on expressway that will reduce travel time between Kanpur, Lucknow to 1.5 hours; check key details

The 63 km long Lucknow–Kanpur Expressway will reduce travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur from 1.5–3 hours to around 30 minutes, significantly saving time and fuel for commuters, said NHAI.

The expressway connects the two major cities of Lucknow and Kanpur in the Awadh region of the state. It is a 63-kilometre-long, six-lane-wide (expandable to eight), access-controlled expressway under construction in Uttar Pradesh.



The government has designated the project as National Expressway 6 (NE-6). The expressway will run parallel to National Highway 27 (NH-27), which currently connects Kanpur and Lucknow, with an approximate gap of 85 km between the existing highway and the proposed parallel route.

NE-6 will originate at its junction with NH-27 near Shaheed Path in South Lucknow (km 11 of the existing NH-27). From there, it will pass through Bani, Kantha and Amarsas, before terminating at its junction with NH-27 (km 71.3) near Azad Marg in Kanpur, where it will further connect to Udyog Path. The expressway will also intersect the Ganga Expressway in Unnao district.

The foundation stone for the project was laid in March 2019 and again on January 5, 2022. It was officially notified as NE-6 in the Gazette of India in December 2020.

To enhance passenger convenience and safety, three rest areas have been developed at Aderwa (Nevarna), Padri Khurd and Unnao. The expressway will also include a 10-bed hospital, a trauma centre and ambulance services.

"Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already issued directives that no liquor shops will be allowed on this expressway," an official said.

Five toll plazas are being constructed along the route at Miranpur Pinwat, Khandedev, Bani in Lucknow, Lalganj (Amarsas village) in Unnao, and at the entry point near Azad crossing on the Shuklaganj Bypass. Additionally, ramps have been built at six locations to facilitate entry and exit.

A compensation amount of Rs 800 crore has been distributed to farmers as part of land acquisition for the project. The expressway passes through 42 villages across Lucknow and Unnao, directly benefiting local residents.

Officials said the expressway is expected to function as a key economic corridor, boosting trade, industry, education and employment between Lucknow and Kanpur.