Lucknow is getting a new pedestrian bridge across the Gomti River, and it's not just any bridge; it's one that actually smiles. The government has greenlit this 180-metre marvel that's designed to curve like a gentle smile, perfectly capturing the city's signature warmth with its theme, "Muskuraiye, Aap Lucknow Mein Hain".

Part of the larger Gomti Riverfront and IT City development, the "Smiling Bridge" isn't just about better connectivity, though it certainly delivers on that front. It's about creating a space where the city can breathe, stroll, and gather along the river. As of 2026, construction is underway, and anticipation is building. Here are 5 things worth knowing about Lucknow's soon-to-be favourite riverside hangout:

• Design & Theme: You know Lucknow's famous greeting, "Muskuraiye, Aap Lucknow Mein Hain"? Well, this bridge literally embodies that warmth. It's designed to curve like an actual smile across the river, giving the city a contemporary landmark that captures its welcoming spirit.

• Size & Structure: The main span crosses 180 metres of the Gomti River, but with the approach ramps on either side, you're looking at a full 380-metre walk. It's a generous 12 metres wide too, so there's no jostling for space, plenty of room whether you're power-walking, strolling with friends, or just stopping to catch your breath and enjoy the view.

• Where You'll Find It: It's going up near the ADCP office, bridging both banks of the Gomti Riverfront. The location's actually pretty clever, it pulls together residential neighbourhoods with all the action, the cricket stadium, those floating restaurants everyone loves, the water sports zone. If you're heading to IT City for work, this becomes your scenic shortcut.

• What Makes It Special: The designers took a page from Ahmedabad's Atal Bridge and added these lovely viewing decks that extend out over the water, perfect spots to lean against the railing and watch the river flow by. And at night, the whole thing comes alive with lighting, a mix of street lamps, those low bollard lights along the path, and floor lighting that makes the entire walk feel safe and almost magical.

• The Investment: The whole project is pegged at somewhere between ₹54 and 64 crore. Just this year, LDA got its first instalment, roughly ₹18.9 crore, to get things rolling. They're looking at about 18 months to complete it, so fingers crossed for a smooth build.