After the Purvanchal and Ganga Expressway, Uttar Pradesh gets its next expressway, and that is the Lucknow Kanpur Expressway. You can also call it “Awadh Expressway.”
It is a major new infrastructure project in Uttar Pradesh designed to reduce travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur. It is a 6-lane access-controlled expressway that will cut travel time and boost regional connectivity and economic growth. The length of this expressway is 63km.
The approved budget for the construction of this expressway is Rs. 4,700 crores. According to NHAI, construction of the Awadh expressway began in January 2022.
The project is expected to enhance regional economic growth, strengthen urban–industrial links, and significantly improve the overall travel experience between Lucknow and Kanpur.
In this article, we will explore Lucknow Kanpur Expressway, its Status, Opening Date, Key Features, Economic aspects, and more. So, let us start this blog.
Lucknow Kanpur Expressway Overview
| Feature | Data |
| Total Cost | ₹4,700 crore |
| Length Approximately | 63 km |
| Total Lanes | 6-lane highway |
| Reduced Travel Time | 35-45 minutes (current time: 3 hrs) |
| Current Status | 80% complete |
| Expected to open (new opening date) | (Earlier was May-June 2025); now it is expected to open in March 2026 |
| Next-gen Technology Used | AIMC (Automated & Intelligent Machines) |
| Starting at | Shaheed Path, Lucknow |
| Connecting | Lucknow Ring Road, Agra-Lucknow Expressway |
| Ending Point | Nawabganj, Kanpur |
Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Opening date
This expressway project is anticipated to be open for public use during March 2026.
Lucknow Kanpur Expressway – Travel Time & Project Cost
The Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Project will be built along a 63 km corridor and will provide a time savings of approximately 30 minutes compared to the existing driving times of 1.5 to 3 hours.
It will also have a cost of approximately Rs 4700 crore, and the corridor will be configured as a modern access-controlled route that will eliminate traffic congestion, enhance roadway safety, and reduce fuel consumption. This budget is issued for the entire project, including Bridges, underpasses and flyovers
The Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway, which is to connect to the Ganga Expressway, will complement the significant reduction in distance and time needed to travel from East to West and Vice-Versa in UP.
Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Route Map
This expressway consists of 62.76 Kms (39 miles) connecting:
Starting Point: Shaheed Path in South Lucknow
Ending Point: Azad Chauraha near Kanpur’s Ganga Bridge
The expressway traveling parallel to NH-27 and will reduce the time between the two cities by approximately 50 minutes compared to the current 2-hour trip.
Also Read – Delhi Mumbai Expressway
Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway: Current Progress
Currently, approximately 80% of the construction is completed with work progressing rapidly using AMG technology, according to NHAI personnel using 3D automatic machine-guided (AMG) technology.
The Lucknow-Kanpur Greenfield Expressway, which will utilize the latest technology and improve connectivity and high-speed travel for commuters and businesses, is anticipated to transform travel between the two cities, reducing travel times to 40-50 minutes. This ₹4700 crore investment will prove to be a game changer for businesses and commuters in Uttar Pradesh.
Kanpur Lucknow Expressway: Economic Impact
This expressway will have a tremendous impact on the economy of the region and will likely benefit farmers, students, businesses, and industries by improving their ability to reach markets, access educational institutions, and receive healthcare as well as find employment opportunities; thereby, supporting the development of the UP economy as it will serve as a catalyst for improving these areas.
The expressway will make it easier for people to travel to educational institutions of all types in the vicinity of Lucknow and Kanpur.
It will facilitate movement of students from rural areas to urban universities and other educational facilities as well as create new opportunities for economic growth and development at the local community level.
Therefore, this road project will serve as the catalyst for substantial change between these two great centres of Learning in Uttar Pradesh.
Future Ready Infrastructure
As per the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the development of the new Lucknow – Kanpur Expressway represents a major breakthrough in the field of infrastructure development in India because it has successfully addressed many of the challenges associated with building complex infrastructure.
In addition, the new expressway has been constructed with the application of a variety of cutting-edge engineering technologies including: The construction of multiple vehicular and pedestrian underpasses, box culverts, reinforced soil (RS) walls, and well-planned interchanges intended to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of traffic through the system, as well as to provide access points for pedestrians along with an adequate stormwater management system.
Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Key Features
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has pioneered the use of Automated & Intelligent Machines (AMIC) for the first time in India. These machines are equipped with the following capabilities:
- GPS-aided Motor Grader: Provides a high degree of accuracy when grading the roadway.
- Intelligent Compactor: Increases the durability and surface quality of the roadway.
- Stringless Paver: Produces a higher quality, more uniform surface finish without the need for physical guide wires.
Conclusion
Overall, the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway will be a game-changer project for Uttar Pradesh. It will offer faster, safer, and smoother connectivity between these two cities.
This expressway will encourage industrial and real estate growth along the corridor and reduce travel time and traffic congestion. It will strengthen economic activity and improve daily commuting.
FAQs
1. What is the name of Lucknow Kanpur expressway?
It’s officially called the Awadh Expressway and is designated as National Expressway 6 (NE-6)
2. When will the Lucknow Kanpur expressway open?
The expressway is under final construction and is expected to be operational by early 2026 (many sources project March 2026 as the likely opening timeframe).
3. How many lanes are there in Lucknow Kanpur expressway?
It is a 6-lane access-controlled expressway.
4. What was the cost to build the Lucknow-Kanpur expressway?
The project’s estimated cost is around ₹4,700 crore.
5. What is the main route connecting Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway?
The expressway starts near Shaheed Path in Lucknow, passes through areas like Bani, Kantha, and Amarsas, and ends near Azad Marg in Kanpur, running roughly parallel to the existing National Highway 27 (NH-27).
