NHAI to Invest Over Rs 150 Bn in UP Highways Overhaul

28 Jan 2025 CW Team

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to embark on highway projects worth more than Rs 150 billion to boost cargo and passenger traffic across Uttar Pradesh, according to a senior state official.

Key districts such as Kanpur, Bareilly, Barabanki, Bahraich, Agra, Aligarh, and Gorakhpur will benefit from these developments, which will supplement ongoing highway and expressway initiatives.

“While the detailed project reports (DPRs) for some projects are finalised, others are in the final stages of bidding,” the senior official explained, noting the total budget for these schemes is around Rs 155 billion.

Meanwhile, the much-awaited Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, being constructed by NHAI, is expected to be completed by July 2025. This project will ease traffic congestion between the industrial city of Kanpur and the state capital, Lucknow.

The 594-km Ganga Expressway, initially aimed for completion by the Maha Kumbh, is now projected for launch by March-April 2025. With a cost exceeding Rs 36,000 crore, the project is being developed by the UP Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA).

Additionally, an airstrip on the Ganga Expressway is being designed for emergency landings and takeoffs of Indian Air Force (IAF) planes. Similar facilities are already available at the Agra-Lucknow and Purvanchal expressways.

Once the Ganga Expressway and the 91-km Gorakhpur Link Expressway are finished, UP will boast nine access-controlled expressways, spanning over 1,900 km. The state currently manages about 47 per cent of India’s expressway network.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..