India has inaugurated its first barrier-less expressway with the opening of the Lucknow–Kanpur Expressway, a 63-km, six-lane access-controlled highway connecting Uttar Pradesh’s two largest cities. The project is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity while cutting travel time from nearly 2–3 hours to just 35–45 minutes.
Unlike conventional highways, the expressway features a barrier-less tolling system that uses RFID tags and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. Vehicles can pass without stopping at toll plazas, ensuring smoother traffic flow and reducing congestion.
The expressway was inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The project is expected to boost trade, logistics and daily commuting while setting a new benchmark for smart highway infrastructure in India.
