Lucknow – The city of Lucknow witnessed the inauguration of two newly constructed flyovers today, aimed at enhancing traffic flow and reducing congestion. These flyovers are part of a broader infrastructure push to improve connectivity within the city and to major highways.
Polytechnic to Munshi Pulia Flyover Inaugurated
The first flyover, a four-lane stretch from Polytechnic Chauraha to Munshi Pulia, has been constructed at a cost of ₹171 crore. One of its key features is its alignment with the existing metro corridor, running on separate levels. The ground-level roads remain accessible for regular vehicular movement, while the flyover allows for uninterrupted travel towards Ayodhya Highway and the Nagar Metro route. This ensures smooth traffic movement without obstructions, enhancing both speed and safety for commuters.
Sector 25 Indira Nagar to Kalyanpur Flyover Opened
The second flyover, spanning 2.7 km from Sector 25 Indira Nagar Chauraha to Kalyanpur Chauraha via Khurram Nagar Chauraha, has been built at a cost of ₹270 crore. Located on Highway 24A, this flyover is a crucial connector between Lucknow-Ayodhya and Lucknow-Sitapur-Delhi highways. According to a 2016 traffic survey by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), around 46,000 vehicles used this route daily, a number that has now surpassed 2 lakh.
Integration with Existing Infrastructure
The new flyovers integrate seamlessly with existing roads, including the Kukrail flyover (inaugurated in 2019), ensuring continuous and high-speed traffic flow. The improved road network is expected to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance overall road safety.
Historical Infrastructure Development
The development of these flyovers traces back to the late 1990s when then-Transport Minister Rajnath Singh approved the linking of Lucknow-Ayodhya Highway with Lucknow-Kanpur Highway, leading to the construction of Amar Shaheed Path. Over time, the path was expanded through Polytechnic Chauraha, Munshi Pulia, and Engineering College to connect with Sitapur Highway.
Rising Vehicle Numbers and Traffic Management
Over the past 25 years, Lucknow has experienced significant growth in vehicular traffic, with registered vehicles increasing from 5 lakh to over 29 lakh. The addition of these flyovers is expected to alleviate congestion, allowing for faster movement across key city roads and highways.
Boost to Economic Growth
Global economic trends indicate that improved infrastructure directly contributes to economic progress. In alignment with this, Lucknow has undertaken the construction of Outer Ring Roads, expressways, and over 15 flyovers/underpasses, with eight more currently under construction. Major road projects, including the widening of the Lucknow-Sultanpur Highway and the completion of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway within three months, will further strengthen connectivity. Once completed, the expressway will reduce travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur to just 40 minutes.
Enhancements in Rail and Air Connectivity
Apart from road infrastructure, efforts have been made to upgrade railway and airport facilities. Significant developments include the modernization of Charbagh, Alam Nagar, Aishbagh, and Badshah Nagar railway stations, along with the expansion of Transport Nagar and Utretia stations. The Outer Ring Road approval in 2016 triggered a sharp increase in economic activities, leading to a 24% rise in air traffic at Lucknow Airport. In response, the central government sanctioned ₹1383 crore for a new terminal. Additionally, the airport’s runway is being extended by 700 meters to accommodate international flights from the US, UK, and Europe.
Impact on Real Estate and Industrial Growth
The comprehensive infrastructure expansion has resulted in rapid growth in sectors such as real estate, warehousing, hospitality, and specialized medical facilities. Following the declaration of Lucknow as a ‘Defense Node’ by the Ministry of Defence in 2020, the city hosted an International Defense Expo, attracting major defense equipment manufacturers. The establishment of a BrahMos missile manufacturing unit has further spurred the development of ancillary industries.
State Capital Region and Future Plans
Recognizing the need for further urban development, the Chief Minister has proposed the creation of a ‘State Capital Region’ to support ongoing and future expansion. This move is expected to significantly boost economic growth, enhance connectivity, and improve the overall quality of life in Lucknow. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has also urged the state government to consider additional projects, including flyovers at Charbagh, Pandari Bazaar, and Medical College Chauraha, as well as an elevated road over the Haider Canal and a new flyover at Gomti Nagar.
With these developments, Lucknow is set to emerge as a modern urban hub with world-class infrastructure, boosting trade, commerce, and overall economic growth.
