LUCKNOW: Defence minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Lucknow-Kanpur highway and launch two other national highway projects worth more than Rs 4,850 crore in Lucknow on Monday.Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari and CM Yogi Adityanath will also be present on the occasion.The projects are expected to significantly strengthen road infrastructure, improve connectivity, reduce travel time and support economic growth across UP.The minister will first inaugurate the 63-km-long Lucknow-Kanpur six-lane expressway, developed at a cost of Rs 4,200 crore.“Once inaugurated, the expressway will reduce time travel by one hour, which earlier used to be two hours,” said an official source.Rs 275 toll for one-way, Rs 415 for return within 24 hrsThe access-controlled expressway is likely to provide faster and safer travel between the two cities while reducing traffic pressure on the existing route. Two-wheelers and three-wheelers will not be allowed on the expressway.The restriction is part of the access-controlled design of the six-lane corridor. The NHAI has set Rs 275 toll for one-way, Rs 415 for return within 24 hours.Another major projectto be inaugurated is the four-lane construction of package four of NH 731 between Hardoi and Lucknow.Built at a cost of Rs 541 crore, the 32-km highway will improve regional connectivity and facilitate smoother movement of passengers and freight.The foundation stone will also be laid for a four-lane flyover at Engineering College Chauraha on NH 24.The one-km flyover, estimated to cost Rs 109 crore, is aimed at easing congestion at one of Lucknow’s busiest intersections.
