The much-awaited Lucknow–Kanpur Expressway is likely to be delayed beyond December 15, as the relocation of a high-tension electricity line near Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, remains pending. Originally set for inauguration in July and later postponed to September and then December, the ₹4,700 crore project now faces its final hurdle before completion.
Trial runs expected by mid-December
If relocation work is completed soon, trial runs are expected to begin by mid-December, with the expressway likely to open for public use by the end of the year or early January. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said the expressway could be operational within a month of the power line being shifted.
Project overview
Designed as a six-lane, access-controlled corridor, the 63 km expressway allows speeds of up to 120 km/h, reducing travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur to 45 minutes. It starts from Shaheed Path in Lucknow and connects to the Ring Road in Kanpur, with provisions to expand to eight lanes in the future.
Further, the expressway connects with the Unnao–Lalganj and Lucknow–Kanpur highways through two interchanges in Unnao. It also intersects with the Ganga Expressway, providing seamless movement across central Uttar Pradesh.
Designated as National Expressway 6, the corridor runs parallel to NH 27 through Bani, Kantha, and Amarsas, ending near Azad Marg, Kanpur.
It features five toll plazas at Miranpur Pinwat, Khandedev, Bani, Lalganj, and Shuklaganj Bypass. Officials have also confirmed that no liquor shops will be permitted along the expressway. Here are some key details of the project:
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Length: 63 km (45.3 km in Unnao)
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Cost: ₹4,700 crore
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Status: Construction complete; awaiting final NoC
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Major delay: Power line relocation near Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow
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Expected launch: End of December 2025 or early January 2026
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