Travel between Lucknow and Kanpur just got much faster. The much-awaited Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway has officially opened today, reducing travel time between the two cities from around 90 minutes to just 35–40 minutes.

Built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at a cost of nearly ₹4,000 crore, the 63-km, six-lane access-controlled expressway was inaugurated by Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The expressway features barrier-less electronic toll collection, allowing vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping. It is also equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) that monitors traffic, detects overspeeding above 120 kmph, and supports faster emergency response through an extensive surveillance network.

Commuters should note that two-wheelers and three-wheelers are not permitted on the expressway. The toll for a single journey by car, jeep, or van is ₹275, while a return trip costs ₹415.

Developed using the Automated and Intelligent Machine-Aided Construction (AIMC) system, the expressway is expected to offer a smoother driving experience and marks a major upgrade in road connectivity between Lucknow and Kanpur. For daily commuters, business travellers, and weekend visitors, the new route promises quicker, safer, and more efficient travel.