In a move to decongest Ayodhya Road, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has entrusted IIT Kanpur with planning a new 9-km elevated corridor. The six-lane road will stretch from Polytechnic Square to Kisan Path, aiming to ease traffic for millions of pilgrims heading to Ayodhya and improve travel to cities like Gorakhpur and Barabanki.

IIT Kanpur experts will lead the planning for a new elevated road in Lucknow, tasked with optimising the route and elevation to minimise building acquisitions and costs. A critical aspect of their study will be to determine the extent of demolition required for existing flyovers and to devise methods for repurposing their pillars. The project, estimated at ₹2,219 crore, has a three-year completion timeline, barring major delays.

This initiative, prompted by a 2017 public interest litigation, is closely monitored by the Allahabad High Court. Although the Detailed Project Report has been prepared by the authorities, it is yet to be reviewed by IIT Kanpur or IIT Roorkee. The court has set a December deadline to finalize the DPR for an integrated transport plan.

While the metro will not be extended on this route, the elevated road is expected to significantly ease traffic, particularly for vehicles from Sitapur heading towards Ayodhya Road. Prior to construction, illegal encroachments will be cleared to facilitate the work.