Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced a major expansion of Uttar Pradesh’s road infrastructure, stating that highway projects worth approximately ₹5 lakh crore will be completed across the state over the next two years. In addition, the Centre has approved fresh highway projects worth ₹50,000–60,000 crore, taking the planned investment in the state’s road network to nearly ₹5.6 lakh crore.
The announcement was made during the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony for three National Highway projects valued at over ₹4,850 crore. Gadkari said the newly approved projects had been cleared following discussions with state officials and assured that the proposals would move forward for implementation.
The minister highlighted that road infrastructure plays an important role in supporting economic development by improving connectivity, attracting industrial investment, facilitating logistics, and creating employment opportunities. He noted that better transport infrastructure contributes to regional growth by reducing travel time and improving access to markets.
Among the key projects announced is the six-laning of the Lucknow–Sitapur highway, estimated to cost around ₹1,200 crore. Once completed, the upgraded corridor is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities from nearly two hours to about 50 minutes, improving passenger and freight movement in the region.
Gadkari also stated that the Ministry is exploring alternative urban mobility solutions to address congestion in growing cities. These include ropeway-based transport systems and elevated electric bus corridors, which could provide sustainable and efficient public transport options where conventional road expansion is constrained.
Speaking at the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged the Centre’s support for Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure development and noted that several long-pending proposals had received approval. These include the Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway and a 23-km elevated corridor connecting Lucknow Airport with the Outer Ring Road.
He further stated that approval has also been granted for a metro project above the proposed elevated corridor, integrating road and urban transit infrastructure to improve connectivity within the state capital.
The large-scale investment reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s transport network through highways, expressways, urban mobility projects, and multimodal infrastructure. The planned projects are expected to enhance regional connectivity, improve logistics efficiency, support industrial development, and facilitate faster movement of people and goods across the state.
