Lucknow Kanpur Expressway - Route, Map, Travel Time, and Key Details

The Lucknow Kanpur Expressway is set to be one of Uttar Pradesh’s most transformative infrastructure projects. Designed as a 6-lane, access-controlled expressway, it promises to significantly cut travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur from around 90 minutes to just 40–45 minutes. Beyond reducing travel time, the expressway will improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion, promote regional economic growth, and drive real estate and industrial development along the corridor.

About Lucknow Kanpur Expressway

Also known as National Expressway 6 (NE-6), the Lucknow Kanpur Expressway spans approximately 63 km, linking Shaheed Path in Lucknow to Azad Chauraha near Kanpur’s Ganga Bridge. It is part of Uttar Pradesh’s broader expressway network, which includes the Ganga Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, and Purvanchal Expressway, designed to improve intra-state and regional connectivity.

Key highlights of the project:

• Project Model: EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) by PNC Infratech
• Project Designer: Egis India Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
• Total Cost: Rs 4,700 crore
• Lane Configuration: 6 lanes, expandable to 8
• Elevated Sections: 18 km
• Bridges & Flyovers: 3 major bridges, 28 minor bridges, 6 flyovers, and 38 underpasses

The expressway blends greenfield construction with brownfield upgrades, ensuring optimized routes and reduced urban congestion.

Also Read: Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway: Route, Map, Cost & Latest Progress

Construction and Project Timeline

The expressway’s construction has progressed in a phased manner:

Trial runs have been completed, and the expressway is reported to be 99% complete as of early November 2025. The final clearance is awaited for its official inauguration.

Route and Map Details

The expressway begins at Shaheed Path, Lucknow, and passes through major localities:

• Nawabganj
• Banthara
• Bani
• Datauli Kantha
• Taura
• Neorna
• Amarsas
• Rawal

It ends at Azad Chauraha, Kanpur, near the Ganga Bridge. Running parallel to NH-27, it includes elevated sections, greenfield stretches, and access-controlled interchanges to facilitate uninterrupted travel. Connectivity to the Lucknow Ring Road ensures smooth traffic diversion from city roads.

Distance and Travel Time

Currently, the Lucknow–Kanpur distance is 93 km by road (NH-27), taking 2.5–3 hours. By train, the TEJAS Express covers the route in about 1 hour 10 minutes, while air connectivity is limited with only two weekly flights via Kanpur Military Airport.

The Lucknow Kanpur Expressway will reduce the road distance to 63 km and cut travel time to 40–45 minutes, becoming the fastest land route between the two cities. This is expected to benefit daily commuters, commercial vehicles, and tourists alike.

Key Features of Lucknow Kanpur Expressway

Phase-Wise Construction

Phase 1 / Package 1 – Shaheed Path to Bani (28.5 km)

• Includes 3.375 km of elevated road
• Estimated cost: Rs 1,675.18 crore

Phase 2 / Package 2 – Bani to Azad Chauraha, Kanpur (34.2 km)

• Greenfield construction parallel to NH-2
• Estimated cost: Rs 1,724.67 crore

Both packages are expected to be fully operational by December 2025

Land Acquisition and Design

• Villages/Districts Affected: 31 in Unnao, 11 in Lucknow
• Status: 86% completed, pending environmental clearance in forested areas
• Design Highlights: Elevated sections, major and minor bridges, underpasses, flyovers

The expressway is engineered to handle high-speed traffic efficiently while maintaining minimal environmental impact.

Connectivity with Other Expressways

The Lucknow Kanpur Expressway forms a trijunction with:

1. Ghaziabad-Kanpur Expressway (380 km)
2. Ganga Expressway (Prayagraj–Meerut, 594 km)

This connectivity boosts regional trade, logistics, and commuter mobility, integrating NE-6 into Uttar Pradesh’s expressway network.

Real Estate and Economic Impact

The expressway is projected to transform regional development:

• Rising demand for residential plots, affordable housing, and townships along the corridor
• Expansion of industrial logistics parks and commercial hubs
• Attraction of new investments and accelerated infrastructure projects
• Significant uplift in Shaheed Path, Nawabganj, Banthara, and Bani areas

Improved connectivity will likely drive land appreciation, making the corridor a hotspot for investors and developers.

Also Read: Delhi-Jaipur Super Expressway (NH-352B): Route, Features, Toll Rates, and Real Estate Impact

Benefits of Lucknow Kanpur Expressway

• Enhanced Connectivity: Faster and safer travel between Lucknow and Kanpur
• Traffic Decongestion: Relieves urban traffic pressure
• UP Defence Corridor Support: Boosts industrial development along the corridor
• Economic Growth: Facilitates commerce and trade
• Infrastructure Development: Encourages urban and suburban expansion

Conclusion

The Lucknow Kanpur Expressway is more than just a roadway; it is a transformational infrastructure project for Uttar Pradesh. By reducing travel time, enhancing connectivity, and fostering economic and real estate growth, it is set to reshape the region’s development landscape. With its integration into the broader UP expressway network, NE-6 will serve as a key corridor for commerce, commuters, and long-term regional development, benefiting millions of residents and businesses in the state.