Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh received a major infrastructure boost as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of three national highway projects worth around ₹4,850 crore at the Sainik School campus in Lucknow.
The key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, a major greenfield project aimed at improving connectivity between the two major cities and supporting economic development in the state.
Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Opens for Public, Travel Time Reduced
The newly inaugurated 63-km six-lane Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said commuters will now be able to reach Kanpur from Lucknow in around 25 minutes through the greenfield expressway.
He mentioned that the journey from Unnao to Sarojini Nagar was completed in just 22 minutes during his travel on the expressway.
The project is expected to improve industrial connectivity, reduce traffic pressure on existing routes, and strengthen economic activity in the Lucknow-Kanpur region.
Foundation Stone Laid for New Highway Projects Worth ₹541 Crore
Along with the expressway inauguration, the foundation stone was laid for additional road infrastructure projects, including:
- A four-lane road project from Hardoi-Lucknow border to Lucknow Ring Road
- A one-kilometre four-lane flyover at Engineering College Crossing in Lucknow
The combined cost of these projects is around ₹541 crore.
Elevated Road and Metro Project Approved Over Shaheed Path
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that approval has been given for an elevated road and metro project over Shaheed Path in Lucknow.
He said the initiative will further improve transportation facilities in the city and help manage increasing traffic demand.
Nitin Gadkari said the design and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project are expected to be completed by December 2026, followed by the foundation ceremony.
The elevated road will be developed using Malaysia-based technology and will feature a three-level single-pier structure, making it a unique infrastructure project in the country.
Lucknow-Sitapur Travel Time to Reduce to 50 Minutes
Nitin Gadkari announced that the Lucknow-Sitapur route will be upgraded to a six-lane highway, reducing travel time significantly.
He said the journey, which currently takes around two and a half hours, will be reduced to approximately 50 minutes after completion of the project.
A service road along the Kisan Path is also planned to improve local connectivity.
UP to Receive ₹50,000-60,000 Crore New Highway Projects
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said several new highway projects worth ₹50,000-60,000 crore are planned in Uttar Pradesh.
He said discussions have already been held with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding future infrastructure development.
Major highway projects mentioned include:
- Lucknow-Gonda-Padrauna bypass
- Dadri-Lal Kuan highway
- Barabanki-Bahraich highway
- Agra-Gwalior highway
- Ghazipur-Manjhi route
- Gorakhpur-Shamli highway
- Gorakhpur-Siliguri highway
Yogi Adityanath Says UP Has Transformed Through Infrastructure Development
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised Nitin Gadkari’s contribution to Uttar Pradesh’s road development and said that the minister’s approach has helped accelerate infrastructure growth.
He said Uttar Pradesh, which earlier struggled with poor road conditions, is now leading in:
- Expressway development
- Rail connectivity
- Metro networks
- Airport expansion
The Chief Minister said the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway will play an important role in developing the State Capital Region (SCR).
Expressway to Strengthen Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region
CM Yogi said the expressway will connect major districts around Lucknow, including:
- Barabanki
- Sitapur
- Hardoi
- Unnao
- Rae Bareli
The project is part of the government’s plan to develop the region as a major growth centre for Uttar Pradesh and contribute to India’s economic progress.
He described the expressway as not just a road project but a pathway towards faster development and investment opportunities.
Lucknow and Kanpur Emerging as Major Connected Cities
The Chief Minister highlighted that Lucknow and Kanpur are now getting stronger connectivity through modern infrastructure projects.
He also mentioned major upcoming developments, including:
- Ganga Expressway
- Jewar Airport
- Expansion of metro connectivity in Lucknow
He said these projects reflect the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for modern infrastructure development.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Future Growth Opportunities
Rajnath Singh said the development of new transport infrastructure will help attract industries around Lucknow and strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s economy.He added that improved connectivity will support industrial growth and create new employment opportunities in the region.
Key Leaders Attend Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior leaders and officials, including:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
- Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana
- Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya
- Minister Rakesh Sachan
- Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma
The projects mark another major step towards building a modern, connected and economically stronger Uttar Pradesh.
Read also: CM Yogi Adityanath Launches ₹710 Crore Development Projects in Banda, Inaugurates 109 Projects
