After the launch of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway last month, another major highway project is now close to opening in North India. The much-awaited Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Uttar Pradesh’s capital Lucknow and the industrial city of Kanpur, offering commuters a faster and smoother journey. For years, travellers have struggled with traffic congestion, long delays and overcrowded stretches on the existing NH-27 route. The new high-speed corridor is expected to transform daily travel between the two cities.Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway to Cut Travel Time by Nearly Two HoursThe Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is a newly developed six-lane access-controlled highway spanning around 63 kilometres.The expressway will directly connect key entry and exit points between Lucknow and Kanpur while also linking with the existing Kanpur-Lucknow Highway and the Unnao-Lalganj (Raebareli) Highway.Currently, commuters travelling on the 94-km NH-27 stretch often spend between 2.5 and 3 hours on the road, especially during peak traffic hours.However, once the expressway becomes operational, vehicles travelling at the permitted speed limit of 120 kmph are expected to complete the journey in just 30 to 45 minutes.The project is likely to become one of the most important transport upgrades in Uttar Pradesh in recent years.Expressway Opening Expected on May 24The expressway was initially expected to open in April, but the launch timeline was revised.According to Times Now, the new target inauguration date is 24 May.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the expressway. Once official approvals are completed, the route is likely to be opened for public use immediately.New Toll Rates Announced for Lucknow-Kanpur ExpresswayWhile the expressway promises faster travel and reduced congestion, commuters will also have to pay higher toll charges compared to the current highway route.At present, travelling on NH-27 costs around Rs 95 one-way for cars. However, toll rates approved by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the new expressway are considerably higher.Proposed Toll ChargesLight Commercial VehiclesOne-way: Rs 445Return: Rs 670Buses and TrucksOne-way: Rs 935Return: Rs 1,405Heavy Commercial Motor VehiclesOne-way: Rs 1,020Return: Rs 1,530Authorities believe the time saved and improved road quality will offset the increased toll cost for many commuters and transport operators.Expressway Expected to Boost Trade and Daily CommutingApart from reducing travel time, the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is expected to play a major role in boosting regional economic activity.The corridor is likely to:improve freight movement between commercial hubs,support industrial growth,reduce pressure on existing highways,and make inter-city commuting more practical for daily travellers.The project is also expected to improve overall road safety by easing congestion on the heavily used NH-27 corridor.Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Also Reduced Travel Time SignificantlyThe development comes shortly after the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year.The 210-km expressway, built at a cost of Rs 11,868 crore, reduced travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from around 6.5 hours to just 2.5 hours.Officials believe the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway could deliver a similarly transformative impact for Uttar Pradesh by improving connectivity between two of its busiest cities.