The much-anticipated Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is now expected to take an additional three months to become fully operational. The delay is attributed to the complex process of shifting crucial high-voltage power transmission lines that lie in the project's path.
Power Infrastructure Hurdle Causes Setback
Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed that while the majority of civil construction work on the 63-kilometer long expressway is complete, a significant hurdle remains. A 400-kV power transmission line, specifically the Sarojininagar-Singrauli line used for bulk electricity transfer across large distances, needs to be relocated.
Senior project officials explained that shifting such critical infrastructure, which carries massive amounts of power across regions, is a meticulous process that will require several weeks. The NHAI has coordinated with both the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) and the Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (UPPTCL) to commence this work. All costs associated with the shifting, including civil works and new machinery, will be borne by the NHAI.
Major Travel Time Reduction Awaits Commuters
Despite the delay, the expressway promises to revolutionize connectivity between the two major Uttar Pradesh cities. Upon completion, it will slash the travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur from the current 120 minutes to just 70 minutes. Vehicles will be permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour on this new corridor.
Enhanced Connectivity with Ganga Expressway
An important feature of the project is the planned interchange in Unnao. This interchange will seamlessly connect the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway with the under-construction Ganga Expressway. This integration will facilitate smoother and faster movement of traffic, offering direct connectivity for travelers heading towards destinations like Meerut and Prayagraj.
The expressway is a key infrastructure project aimed at decongesting the existing road network and boosting economic activity in the region. The current delay, while disappointing for eager commuters, underscores the challenges involved in executing large-scale projects where coordination with multiple utility agencies is essential.
