Bhopal-Kanpur Economic Corridor to be constructed by 2026; know details

The proposed Bhopal-Kanpur Economic Corridor is set to revolutionise connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. As per the latest update, the Ministry of Environment has now stationed a no objection certificate (NOC) pertaining to the construction of the expansive national highway.

Additionally, the construction of the passage will adopt the successful model of the Yamuna Expressway. It will consist of two distinct sections, catering separately to Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Currently, vehicles commuting between cities in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh typically choose either NH 27 or NH 34, both of which require approximately 11-13 hours for travel between Bhopal and Kanpur. However, with the construction of this advanced multi-lane corridor, this travel time is expected to be slashed to just 7 hours.

Here's the detailed blueprint for the construction of the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh sections of the Bhopal-Kanpur Economic Corridor:

• In the Uttar Pradesh section, the Central Government has given its preliminary approval for a 112 km long National Highway spanning from Kanpur to Mahoba. This highway will seamlessly connect Kanpur city, rural areas, Hamirpur, and Mahoba.

• In the Madhya Pradesh section, significant progress has been achieved in acquiring land for the 223-kilometer Mahoba-Sagar four-to-six-lane highway, linking Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh to Sagar in Madhya Pradesh.

Overall, the entire corridor will provide direct connectivity from Lucknow-Kanpur to Bhopal via Hamirpur, making travel across long distances more convenient. Moreover, it is poised to alleviate congestion on the Naubasta-Hamirpur Highway.

The construction of the Bhopal-Kanpur Economic corridor is anticipated to significantly enhance the supply chain of construction materials, particularly those transported from Madhya Pradesh to cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Upon its completion, the highway will seamlessly integrate into the UP-MP National Highway network. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) aims to conclude both projects by 2026.