Lucknow to Kanpur in 35 minutes: India’s first high-tech’ expressway opens today

3 min readUpdated: Jul 13, 2026 04:21 PM IST

The six-lane access-controlled expressway is expected to cut travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur from around 90 minutes to just 35-40 minutes. (Special arrangement)

The 63-km Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is set to open on Monday, cutting travel time between Uttar Pradesh’s two biggest cities from around 90 minutes to just 35-40 minutes.

The greenfield expressway will be inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

For thousands of commuters who travel between the two cities every day, often spending up to three hours in traffic jams, the six-lane access-controlled expressway will make their journey quicker and barrier-free. Commuters, however, will have to pay a higher toll.

It has been developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at a cost of around Rs 4,000 crore.

Sources said the project will serve as the Centre’s pilot for deploying the Automated and Intelligent Machine-Aided Construction (AIMC) system, with the government now working on a policy to expand its use in future National Highway projects.

What commuters should know

-Sources said the expressway will use a barrier-less electronic toll collection system, allowing vehicles to pass through tolling points without stopping.

-Two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and other non-access-controlled vehicles will not be allowed on the expressway.

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-The expressway has been equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) capable of automatically detecting vehicles exceeding the 120 kmph speed limit and issuing e-challans.

-Advanced surveillance system: The expressway is equipped with 63 pan-tilt cameras, 21 interchange cameras, 16 video incident detection systems, and two integrated control centres. Officials said the surveillance network is expected to bring emergency response time down to 10-15 minutes.

-Infrastructure: The expressway has 38 underpasses (27 for vehicles and 11 for pedestrians) and five toll plazas.

The expressway has 38 underpasses (27 for vehicles and 11 for pedestrians) and five toll plazas. (Special arrangement)

Proposed toll:

Vehicle

Single Journey

Return Journey

Cars, jeeps, vans

Rs 275

Rs 415

Light commercial vehicles, minibuses

Rs 445

Rs 670

Buses and trucks

Rs 935

Rs 1,405

Vehicles with seven or more axles

Rs 1,785

Rs 2,680

Monthly pass for light commercial vehicles/minibuses: Rs 14,890.

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What is the AIMC model and why does it matter?

According to NHAI officials, the AIMC system uses GPS-guided and sensor-based construction equipment, including motor graders, intelligent compactors and stringless pavers.

Officials said that, unlike conventional road construction, the technology relies on real-time digital monitoring and automated precision, helping improve construction speed without compromising quality.

Officials said the biggest benefit for commuters will be a more uniformly levelled road surface, resulting in a smoother driving experience.

Maulshree Seth is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, based in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism, she has built a formidable reputation for her on-ground reporting across Uttar Pradesh. Her expertise spans a wide array of critical beats, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development.

Authoritativeness Maulshree’s work is characterized by depth and historical context. Her coverage of high-stakes state elections and landmark judicial rulings has established her as an authoritative voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India. She is frequently recognized for her ability to gain access to primary sources and for her nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors that drive the world's most populous sub-national entity.

Trustworthiness & Ethical Journalism Her reporting is rooted in rigorous fact-checking and a steadfast dedication to neutral, unbiased storytelling. By prioritizing field-based verification—often traveling to the most remote corners of the state—she ensures that her readers receive a truthful and comprehensive view of events. ... Read More

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Tags:

challan

expressway

Greenfield projects

kanpur

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NHAI