Lucknow: In a major infrastructure push aimed at improving road connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, the state government has planned to upgrade 21 state highways into four-lane roads. Once completed, the maximum speed limit on these upgraded stretches is expected to increase from 80 km/h to 100 km/h, significantly reducing travel time across key routes.
At present, Uttar Pradesh has around 142 state highways. Out of these, 107 highways have already been widened to around 10 metres, effectively upgraded to broader multi-lane corridors. Now, the government is moving ahead with the next phase of development, targeting 21 more highways for four-lane conversion, with the remaining 14 also planned for future expansion.
The Public Works Department (Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department) has completed the survey for the proposed expansion and submitted the plan to the state government. The project is expected to be completed by December 2027.
These highways pass through nearly 18 districts, including Varanasi, Hardoi, Amethi, Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Deoria, Kushinagar, Jalaun, Farrukhabad, Lucknow, Moradabad, Bulandshahr, Meerut, Sonbhadra, Sambhal, Muzaffarnagar, Chandauli, and Jaunpur. The roads currently range between 7 and 14 metres in width and will be expanded to 14–25 metres under the new plan.
Key routes selected for upgradation include Jagdishpur Road, Bahraich–Bhiga–Sirsia–Chaudhary Dih Road, Deoria–Padrauna Highway, Bilgram–Unnao–Prayagraj route, Varanasi–Choubepur and Kachhwa corridors, Farrukhabad–Gursahaiganj Road, Moradabad–Bulandshahr Road, Prayagraj–Gorakhpur Road, and Baraut–Meerut Road, among several others.
Officials said that once these roads are upgraded, travel speeds will increase significantly, with vehicles being allowed to run at up to 90–100 km/h compared to the current 70–80 km/h limit.
Beyond expansion, the project also includes the development of modern road infrastructure. The upgraded highways will feature rumble strips, reflective markers, crash barriers, service roads, underpasses and overpasses, bypasses, improved drainage systems, truck parking zones, petrol pumps, restaurants, emergency call boxes, and smart signage systems to enhance safety and reduce accidents.
Authorities believe the upgrade will not only improve connectivity but also boost economic activity and logistics efficiency across the state.
