Plans are moving forward for a new expressway that will directly link Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, and Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. This ambitious infrastructure project aims to drastically cut travel time between the two cities and improve connectivity across central India.
Faster Travel, Smoother Journeys
Currently, the road journey from Lucknow to Bhopal covers about 600 kilometres and takes 14 to 15 hours. With the new expressway, the same trip is expected to take just seven hours. This will provide a much faster and more comfortable experience for commuters, business travellers, and tourists alike.
Project Structure and Progress
The Lucknow-Bhopal Expressway is being developed in three main segments:
- Kanpur-Kabrai Highway
- Kabrai-Sagar Highway
- Sagar-Bhopal Highway
These segments will together form a continuous high-speed corridor, passing through key districts like Kanpur city, Kanpur Dehat, Hamirpur, and Mahoba. The project includes a 124-kilometre highway for the Naubasta Kanpur-Kabrai stretch, a 245-kilometre four-lane highway from Kabrai to Sagar, and a 150-kilometre section from Sagar to Bhopal.
Economic and Regional Impact
The expressway will be linked to three major highways, each with four to six lanes, and is modelled on the Yamuna Expressway. It will integrate with the existing Lucknow-Kanpur four-lane highway, ensuring seamless travel. The project is expected to boost economic development in Bundelkhand by improving access between the two states and facilitating trade, tourism, and regional growth.
Investment and Timeline
Work on the expressway has been underway for the past five years, with an estimated total cost of around Rs 11,000 crore. Once completed, the Lucknow-Bhopal Expressway will become a vital link between northern and central India, enhancing connectivity and driving regional prosperity.
