Delay in Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Inauguration: Key Updates

Travelers between Lucknow and Kanpur will have to wait longer for the inauguration of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, originally set for April 29. Due to unfinished construction and safety concerns, the National Highways Authority has postponed the opening. The remaining work is expected to be completed by May 15, with the possibility of inauguration later in the month. This expressway, costing around ₹3100 crores, aims to enhance traffic flow and reduce travel time significantly. Read on for more details about the project and its benefits.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 6, 2026, 14:44 IST

Lucknow Kanpur Expressway Update

A significant update has emerged for travelers between the major cities of Lucknow and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The inauguration of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway has been postponed. Initially scheduled for April 29, the opening has been delayed due to incomplete construction and finishing work, as decided by the National Highways Authority.

The original plan included Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating this project alongside the Ganga Expressway on April 29. However, several technical and construction tasks remain unfinished in the Lucknow area, particularly around the Khandadev and Shivpura toll plazas. Additionally, the final touches on road lighting, safety barriers, and other essential facilities are still pending.

Reasons for the Delay

Officials have stated that passenger safety will not be compromised under any circumstances. The expressway cannot be opened to the public until a completion certificate for the entire project is issued. This is the primary reason for the postponement of the inauguration date.

According to the National Highways Authority, the remaining construction work is expected to be completed by May 15. If everything proceeds as planned, the expressway could be inaugurated any day in the second half of May.

Construction Cost and Benefits

The construction of this approximately 64-kilometer-long expressway is being carried out at a cost of around ₹3100 crores. The largest segment of the project is located in Unnao district, where about 45.3 kilometers of road has been constructed, while the Lucknow area includes approximately 18.7 kilometers. The project has been developed in two phases, with the second phase, extending from Azad Nagar in Unnao to the Lucknow border, completed in February and receiving its completion certificate. The focus now is on swiftly finishing the unfinished tasks of the first phase.

Once operational, the expressway is expected to significantly improve traffic conditions between Lucknow and Kanpur, reducing congestion and travel time. This will provide considerable relief to daily commuters, students, and business travelers, leading to fuel savings and a safer, more comfortable journey. For now, travelers will need to wait a bit longer for the inauguration of this highly anticipated project.