The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has intensified its efforts to complete the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway project by March 2026. In December 2025, the NHAI had sent a letter to the PMO office stating that the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway would be ready in the first week of March, after which it could be opened to the public on any day. 

While the NHAI will be able to meet its promise for the first week of March, several teams have been deployed to ensure the work is completed by the last week of March 2026 under all circumstances. Along with shifting the transmission line, the work of laying slabs on the elevated road has begun. 

ALSO READ: Potholes To Illegal Immigrants: How Mahayuti Manifesto For BMC Polls Differs From Thackeray Brothers' Promises | Explained

The objective is to ensure that not a single day is wasted, and work is being carried out by setting daily targets. Regular monitoring has been increased. Notably, instructions have been given to resolve any issues related to routes and disputes with residents by January. 

The 63 km greenfield section of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway was completed several months ago. The work here progressed rapidly as the area is not populated, and there were no issues with constructing houses or drains. However, from Sarojininagar to Pradhan Dhaba in Bani, the NHAI faced numerous local difficulties. 

The contracting agency also showed some laxity. During the construction of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, two project directors have been changed. Currently, the expressway work is being overseen by the newly appointed Project Director, Nakul Prakash Verma, and the authority's previous team. NHAI officials have started the work of laying a steel mesh before pouring concrete in the area over which the transmission line is to pass. 

ALSO READ: BMC Polls: AI Tool For Detection, Deportation Of Illegal Bangladeshis; What Is Mahayuti’s Plan For Mumbai

After laying the slabs here, there was no long wait to place the girders. The work of shifting the transmission line began on 6th January and is expected to continue until 26th January. During this period, emphasis is being placed on having the contracting agency complete all minor tasks on the elevated road, such as laying steel mesh and barricading. 

Authority officials want the finishing work to proceed simultaneously, so that no work on the expressway remains by the first week of March 2026. The tasks have been divided among several teams, and the progress is being reviewed every two to three days.