Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Inaugurated: Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari and CM Yogi Launch 63-Km Highway Project

July 13, 2026

Lucknow: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday inaugurated the much-awaited 63-km Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, marking a major milestone in the state’s infrastructure development and connectivity network.

Along with the expressway, the leaders also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for three National Highway projects worth more than Rs 4,850 crore.

Gadkari Calls Expressway a Historic Achievement

🛣️ कानपुर-लखनऊ एक्सप्रेसवे : उत्तर प्रदेश की कनेक्टिविटी को नई दिशा देने वाली एक ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि!#PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti #KanpurLucknowExpressway@narendramodi @rajnathsingh @myogiadityanath pic.twitter.com/TCGOUOXAMK

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 13, 2026

Ahead of the inauguration, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari described the project as a “historic achievement” that would provide a new direction to Uttar Pradesh’s connectivity.

Sharing his views on social media, Gadkari said the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway would play an important role in improving transportation links and supporting economic growth in the state.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the new infrastructure projects would strengthen connectivity, encourage investment opportunities and accelerate development across Uttar Pradesh.

Travel Time Between Lucknow and Kanpur Reduced

Rajnath Singh, who represents Lucknow in the Lok Sabha, said the completion of the expressway would significantly reduce travel time between the two major cities.

He said the journey between Lucknow and Kanpur would now take around 45 to 50 minutes, providing greater convenience to commuters and businesses.

The expressway is expected to reduce traffic congestion on existing routes and provide smoother movement for daily travellers and commercial vehicles.

Expressway to Improve Connectivity with Other States

According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway will provide faster, safer and uninterrupted connectivity between the two cities.

The project will also improve access towards:

• Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan through Jhansi routes
• Delhi through Agra connectivity
• Bihar and Nepal through the Prayagraj-Varanasi corridor

The expressway will also provide easier access to Lucknow Airport and the city’s major urban road, Shaheed Path, improving connectivity for passengers and businesses.

Security Arrangements Put in Place

Ahead of the inauguration ceremony, extensive security arrangements were made, particularly in Unnao district, where a significant portion of the expressway passes.

Unnao Superintendent of Police Jai Prakash Singh said security personnel were deployed at required locations for the visit of the three dignitaries.

The inauguration marks another major infrastructure push for Uttar Pradesh, with authorities expecting the expressway to boost mobility, trade and economic activity in the region.