The Union road transport and highways minister announced approval of an elevated corridor in Kanpur at an estimated cost of Rs 9,883 million (Rs 9,883 mn). The four lane structure will extend for 10.160 kilometres along the old National Highway 91 from Ramadevi to Gol Chauraha. The project has been presented as a major infrastructure intervention for the city. The announcement was posted on a social networking platform and framed as a significant municipal investment.

It is intended to address chronic congestion caused by frequent stoppages at railway crossings on the Grand Trunk Road. The GT Road route of 10.85 kilometres currently has 18 railway crossings where traffic jams are common, and five locations have been identified for interchanges to allow motorists to enter and exit the elevated corridor. Local journeys that would normally take 10 minutes have at times stretched to one hour during peak periods.

Authorities say the elevated road will permit uninterrupted traffic flow above ground level and is designed to divert through traffic from congested junctions. The minister indicated that the project will significantly reduce congestion at major junctions in the city and will alleviate heavy traffic on the old NH-91 while reducing travel times for commuters. Implementation will require clearances from the Forest and Environment Department and the Railway Ministry before construction can commence.

The scheme is expected to offer long term benefits by improving journey reliability and reducing fuel consumption and emissions associated with stop start traffic. Planners said five million (five mn) residents of the city would stand to gain from reduced delays and more predictable travel. Detailed design work and timelines have not been released and authorities will proceed once statutory approvals are secured. Stakeholders expect phased construction to limit disruption during works.

Tags: Kanpur Infrastructure Elevated corridor Traffic congestion