The much-anticipated Lucknow-Bareilly highway project, spearheaded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is nearing its final stages. With an investment of ₹4,584.68 crore, this four-lane expansion project is all set to transform road connectivity across central and western Uttar Pradesh.
Expected to be fully operational by mid-August 2025, this ambitious highway upgrade will slash travel time between Lucknow and Bareilly via Hardoi and Shahjahanpur, offering smoother and faster road transit to over two lakh vehicles daily.
Key Highlights of the Four-Lane Lucknow-Bareilly Highway Project
- Four-laning from Hardoi to Shahjahanpur is already complete.
- Final touches are being applied to the Lucknow–Hardoi stretch, part of NH-731.
- Construction of the Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Behdi River (Naubasta Kakori) and nearby service lanes is almost finished.
- The section from Lucknow to Sandila is nearly ready, according to Diwakar Tripathi, MP representative from Lucknow.
Detailed Investment and Route-Wise Progress
| Stretch | Distance | Cost (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Lucknow to Hardoi | 36.944 km | ₹787.74 |
| Hardoi bypass to Hardoi district | 54.429 km | ₹1,099.82 |
| Shahjahanpur to Hardoi bypass | 85.641 km | ₹1,849.17 |
All three stretches form part of a continuous four-lane corridor, ensuring uninterrupted vehicular movement.
In addition, a two-lane stretch between Shahjahanpur and Palia (89 km) has already been completed at a cost of ₹847.94 crore. Authorities are now considering a four-lane upgrade for this section as well.
Toll Collection and Operational Readiness
- Toll collection is already live at Ballipur.
- A new toll plaza near Sahijna village is being prepared and will begin operations by August 2025, once the highway officially opens.
- The upgraded highway will pass through key towns like Lucknow, Hardoi, Shahjahanpur, Shahabad, Powaiyan, Khutar, Mailani, and Palia Kalan.
Over 2 Lakh Vehicles to Benefit Daily
According to Project Director Colonel Sharad Chandra Singh (NHAI, Lucknow), this highway upgrade is designed to support heavy-duty commercial traffic, reduce fuel consumption, and improve road safety. The route is set to handle more than 2 lakh vehicles per day, translating into huge time and fuel savings for travelers and transporters alike.
How Will This Project Impact You?
- Reduced Travel Time: Significantly faster commute between Lucknow and Bareilly.
- Lower Fuel Costs: Less congestion and smoother driving experience.
- Economic Boost: Enhanced logistics will benefit agriculture, trade, and small industries in Hardoi, Shahjahanpur, and surrounding areas.
- Improved Road Safety: Modernized infrastructure, bridges, and service lanes reduce accident risk.
What’s Next?
With August 2025 as the final completion target, the NHAI is fast-tracking the final components of the project. The government has expressed confidence that this upgrade will revamp regional connectivity, drive economic growth, and provide relief to daily commuters and transport operators.
As the finishing touches are laid, this ₹4,584 crore project is set to become a landmark in Uttar Pradesh’s highway infrastructure.