- By Akansha Pandey
- Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to expand the Lucknow-Sitapur National Highway from its current four lanes to six lanes. The move is aimed at increasing vehicle speed and reducing the heavy traffic load on the crucial route.
A survey conducted by the authority has confirmed that the highway currently handles a daily traffic volume of over 38,000 light and heavy vehicles. NHAI officials noted that traffic on this route has been increasing annually for the last fifteen years, and failure to widen the road could lead to a rise in traffic jams and accidents in the near future.
A complete proposal has been prepared by NHAI Lucknow and sent to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with officials now awaiting the final approval.
No Land Acquisition Needed, Fast-Track Completion
A significant advantage of this project is that no additional land acquisition will be required for the expansion. NHAI claims that the land already available on both sides of the existing highway is sufficient for the widening work. This will drastically reduce the project's overall cost, as land compensation often exceeds the cost of construction.
Officials have stated that with no lengthy land acquisition process, the road construction can be completed in just 1 to 1.5 years. The authority is treating this as a priority project, and the tender process is expected to begin as soon as the project is approved, with a targeted completion time of less than two years. The expansion is expected to ensure smooth traffic flow on the highway for several decades.
NHAI To Take Over Mampur Itauja Toll Plaza In 2026
The management of the toll plaza on the Sitapur highway, currently operated by a private entity, is also set to change. The current operational contract will expire in April 2026, after which the MampurItauja toll plaza will revert to NHAI's control.
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NHAI plans to conduct a new vehicle survey and initiate a fresh tender process for the toll's operation. To address the frequent queues at the plaza, plans are also in place to replace the existing scanners and ensure better internet connectivity for faster processing.