Among the many infrastructure projects that have improved the connectivity in Uttar Pradesh (UP) is the much talked-about Agra-Lucknow Expressway. Built at a cost of Rs 11,527 crore (excluding the cost of the land), the Agra Lucknow Expressway is a 302.222-kilometre-long access-controlled road project that starts at the Agra inner ring road, with six lanes, with scope for future expansion to eight lanes.
The high-speed corridor connects Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, with Agra in western Uttar Pradesh, reducing the travel time between the two points from five-and-a-half hours to three hours. The Agra-Lucknow Expressway further facilitates travel to national capital Delhi by offering connectivity to the 165-km Yamuna Expressway.
While construction of the expressway took 36 months, the Agra Lucknow Expressway was inaugurated on November 21, 2016, by the then UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. It was opened to the public in December 2016.
See also: All about Bharatmala project
Agra-Lucknow Expressway main facts
Agra lucknow expressway starting point: The Agra-Lucknow Expressway starts at the Agra inner ring road.
Operator: UPEIDA
Starting date of work: March 2015
Completion: November 2016
Length: 302.222 km
Area: 3,500 hectares
Lanes: 6 lane (Expandable to 08 lanes)
Cost: Rs 11,527 crore
Starting point: Etmadpur Madra village near Agra
End point: Sarosa Bharosa village near the Mohan Road, Lucknow.
Toll plazas: 2
Toll rates: Rs 655-4,070
Cities covered: Agra, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etawah, Auraiya, Kannauj, Kanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Lucknow
Travel time: 3 hours
Design speed: Up to 120 kms per hour
Key components: 4 rail over bridges, 13 major bridges, 57 minor bridges, 74 vehicular underpasses, 148 pedestrian underpasses, 9 flyovers
Additional features
- Emergency Airstrip: A 3.3-kilometer stretch near Bangarmau in Unnao district serves as an emergency landing strip for Indian Air Force fighter jets.
- Wayside Amenities: Four facilities (two on each carriageway) offering services such as fuel stations, rest areas, and food courts at intervals of approximately 75 km and 198 km from Lucknow, and 101 km and 218 km from Agra.
- Patrolling and Assistance: Deployment of 25 patrolling vehicles and 9 ambulances to ensure commuter safety and provide assistance in emergencies.
- Speed Monitoring: Implementation of speed and number plate detection radar cameras to enforce speed limits and issue e-challans to violators.|
- Record-Breaking Construction Timeline: The expressway’s construction was completed in a record time of 22 months, significantly ahead of the initial estimate of 36 months.
Agra Lucknow Expressway map 2025
Source: Google Maps
Agra Lucknow Expressway: Key facilities
- Access-controlled expressway with limited entry/exit points.
- Six-lane divided carriageway.
- Interchanges for major roads.
- Underpasses for vehicles, pedestrians and animals.
- Service road all along the expressway, except at major bridges and RoBs.
- Wayside amenities with provision for toilet blocks, petrol pumps, service stations, restaurants and shopping arcades at four locations, two each on either side of Expressway.
- Provision of an airstrip for landing and taking off for fighter jets, in case of emergency.
- Advanced traffic management system, consisting of electronic call boxes, digital message screens, video monitoring and incident detection system, GPS-based ambulance service, etc.
- Response time of the security team and an ambulance is four to 11 minutes.
- Use of green energy for lighting.
- Development of green belt on both sides.
- Development of mandis at two places in Kannauj and Mainpuri, with access from the Expressway.
- Fastag facility for toll payment.
Service lanes and emergency lay-bys: What to expect
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway features service lanes that run parallel to the main carriageway for most of its length, allowing local traffic and slow-moving vehicles to travel without mixing with high-speed traffic. These lanes are generally continuous but may be interrupted near major bridges, toll plazas, or railway overpasses.
Emergency lay-bys—dedicated spots for breakdowns or quick stops—are marked at regular intervals, though signage is not always prominent. Many users have pointed out that while the surface quality of service lanes is good near urban areas, it can deteriorate in rural stretches due to encroachments, unmarked exits, or parked vehicles. Some common complaints include illegal U-turns by local vehicles, poorly lit stretches at night, and occasional blockages from unauthorized stalls or parked trucks.
Overall, while the infrastructure is above average compared to state highways, users are advised to drive cautiously on service lanes and only use lay-bys for genuine emergencies.
Weather advisory and seasonal driving tips
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway is prone to seasonal weather challenges, especially during winter fog and monsoon rains. Dense fog can sharply reduce visibility in the early mornings and late nights between November and February. During such periods, UPEIDA may issue speed advisories, activate digital message boards, and instruct vehicles to use hazard lights or flashing beacons. In cases of extremely poor visibility, patrolling teams may temporarily halt traffic or escort convoys until conditions improve.
During the monsoon (July–September), localized flooding or waterlogging near underpasses and low-lying areas may prompt temporary diversions or lane closures. Drivers should slow down, keep headlights on low beam, avoid sudden braking, and be extra cautious near construction zones or service lane entries. Travelers are also advised to check live traffic updates via the UPEIDA website or helpline before departure to avoid last-minute delays.
Agra Lucknow Expressway toll plazas in 2025
There are two Agra Lucknow Expressway toll plazas– one in Lucknow and the other in Agra – where Agra Lucknow Expressway toll tax is collected from the travelers. If you are going towards Lucknow, the Agra Lucknow Expressway toll plaza is at the entry point in Agra. If you are coming towards Agra, the Lucknow Agra Expressway toll plaza is at the entry point from Lucknow. Also, there are toll plazas on Agra Expressway exit roads for those who do not have to cover the entire distance and have to make an exit for other cities on the Agra Lucknow Expressway route.
Agra Lucknow Expressway toll rate 2025
The Uttar Pradesh government has been collecting the Agra Lucknow expressway toll tax since January 19, 2018. Toll rates have been hikes on this expressway recently. coming in effect from April 1, 2024.
The latest Agra Lucknow expressway toll rates for FY 2024-2025 are as follows. Note that these are toll rates of all vehicle categories with 25% discount on Base toll rates for single trip (rounded off rates).
| Type of vehicle | Toll tax in 2025 |
| Car, Jeep, Van or Light Motor Vehicle | Rs 655 |
| Light Commercial Vehicle, Light Good Vehicle or Mini Bus | Rs 1035 |
| Bus/truck | Rs 2,075 |
| Heavy construction machinery | Rs 3,170 |
| Large vehicles | Rs 4,070 |
| Two Wheeler / Three Wheeler / Legally Registered Tractor | Rs 330 |
| Heavy construction machinery (HCM) or earth-moving equipment (EME) or multi-axle vehicle (MAV) three to six axles | Rs. 3185 |
| Oversized Vehicles (Seven or more Axles) | Rs. 4095 |
See also: All about Mumbai Pune toll charges
Toll payment options:
- FASTag: Implemented to streamline toll collection, FASTag enables electronic toll payments through RFID technology, allowing vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping for cash transactions. This system reduces congestion and travel time. As of December 1, 2019, FASTag has been compulsory on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, with all toll lanes equipped to accept FASTag payments.
- Cash payments: Despite the emphasis on digital transactions, cash payments are still accepted at toll plazas. Dedicated lanes are available for cash transactions; however, these lanes may experience longer wait times compared to FASTag lanes.|
- Digital payment systems: In addition to FASTag, toll plazas may accept digital payments through credit/debit cards or mobile wallets, though the availability of these options can vary. Travelers are advised to carry sufficient cash or ensure their FASTag is active to avoid inconvenience.
Agra Lucknow Expressway entry/exit points
A super expressway that runs across 10 districts, 236 villages and 3,500 hectares of land, the Agra Lucknow Expressway entry/exit points are Etmadpur Madra village near Agra and Sarosa Bharosa village near the Mohan Road, Lucknow. The Agra Expressway passes through key cities in western Uttar Pradesh including Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etawah, Auraiya, Kannauj, Kanpur Nagar, Hardoi and Unnao before reaching the Agra Lucknow Expressway exit points.
The Lucknow Agra Expressway passes through four national highways, two state highways and five rivers – the Ganga, the Yamuna, the Isan, the Sai and the Kalyani.
See also: All you need to know about Ganga Expressway
Agra to Lucknow Distance via Lucknow Agra Expressway
By Car: The distance between Agra and Lucknow is approximately 328 kilometres via the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. With a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h, a non-stop journey typically takes around 3 hours and 46 minutes, depending on traffic and driving conditions.
By Bus: The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates regular bus services from Agra ISBT to Alambagh in Lucknow. These buses run hourly, with the journey lasting approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. Ticket prices range from ₹537 to ₹1,000, offering both standard and air-conditioned options to suit different comfort preferences.
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Agra-Lucknow Expressway speed limit
The Agra Expressway speed limit is 100 kmph for cars and 60 kmph for heavy vehicles like trucks and buses. The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) checks the speed of your vehicle at the start and near the end of the route.
Also note that the UPEIDA has made it compulsory for commuters not to complete the 302-km journey in less than three hours. Those covering the stretch from Lucknow Expressway toll plaza to Agra in less than three hours, will have to pay a fine for exceeding Agra Lucknow Expressway speedlimit.
EV Charging Infrastructure on Agra Lucknow Expressway
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway is enhancing its infrastructure to support electric vehicle (EV) users, aligning with Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to sustainable transportation. Here’s an overview of the current and upcoming EV charging facilities along this route:
Current EV charging stations
- IOCL Muhabbatpur Charging Station: Located at an Indian Oil petrol pump near Muhabbatpur, this station offers quick charging services provided by Tata Power.
- Jio-bp Pulse Station in Gujepur: Situated near the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Gujepur, Kanpur Nagar, this station operates 24/7, offering EV charging services.
Agra-Lucknow Expressway traffic management
Under an advanced traffic management system, 152 emergency call boxes at every four kms, 50 CCTV cameras and 10 speed and number plate detection radar cameras have been installed on the Agra Lucknow Expressway. To put a check on Agra expressway speed limit, e-challans are served to speeding vehicles offenders.
However, safety remains a challenge on the Lucknow Agra Expressway. “We have put a lot of things in place. We have put an agency in place to keep the Lucknow Agra Expressway free of animals, rumblers have been put in place and ambulances have been deployed to save the golden hours. We have installed extremely good cameras on the Agra Expressway. Anyone who crosses Agra Expressway speed limit by covering the expressway in less than three hours is automatically issued challans. These challans have brought down the accidents by 50%. However, still, we are having accidents as traffic on this Lucknow Agra Expressway is very high. Our challenge will always be road safety and we are trying to resolve that,” UPEIDA chief Awanish Kumar Awasthi told the media in an interview in 2020.
Also read about the Delhi Mumbai Expressway
Emergency assistance and breakdown support on Agra-Lucknow Expressway
Commuters on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway have access to comprehensive roadside assistance services to ensure safety and prompt support during emergencies. Here’s how you can request breakdown assistance, emergency towing services, and information on the response times of such services:
Emergency contact numbers
- Toll-Free Helpline: Dial 14449 or 1800 1233 127 for immediate assistance.
- Additional Helpline Numbers: You can also contact 6390001213, 6390001214, or 7818072620 for support.
- Police Helpline: For police assistance, dial 112.
Patrolling and assistance services
The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has implemented several measures to ensure commuter safety:
- Patrolling Vehicles: A fleet of 15 Innovas, manned by 125 ex-servicemen, is deployed for round-the-clock patrolling. These vehicles provide immediate assistance to accident victims and address any issues faced by commuters.
- Ambulances: UPEIDA has stationed 4 ambulances on the expressway. Additionally, the toll collection agency has deployed 5 ambulances, bringing 9 ambulances available for emergency medical situations.
- Cranes and Hydras: To manage vehicle breakdowns and accidents, 5 cranes and 5 hydras are positioned along the expressway for towing and recovery operations.
Promotion of green energy
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway is committed to sustainable development by integrating green energy solutions. Notably, the expressway utilises solar energy for all its illumination needs, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and operational costs.
Solar-powered illumination
To enhance energy efficiency, the expressway employs solar panels to power its lighting systems. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By harnessing solar power, the expressway ensures energy efficiency and sets a precedent for eco-friendly infrastructure projects across the country.
Green belt development and rainwater harvesting
In addition to solar lighting, the expressway features the development of green belts on both sides and the median. These green belts serve multiple purposes: they act as carbon sinks, improve air quality, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the roadway. Furthermore, rainwater harvesting arrangements have been implemented to conserve water resources and maintain ecological balance.
Collectively, these measures underscore the Agra-Lucknow Expressway’s role as a model for integrating green energy and sustainable practices into large-scale infrastructure projects, reflecting a harmonious balance between development and environmental stewardship.
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Agra-Lucknow Expressway public convenience facilities
The corridor has four rail over bridges, 13 major bridges, 57 minor bridges, 74 vehicular underpasses, 148 pedestrian underpasses and nine flyovers.
For the convenience of users, four wayside amenities – two along each carriageway of the expressway – have been developed at a distance of 75 kms and 198 kms from Lucknow and 101 kms and 218 kms from Agra. Apart from offering ample parking spaces, these wayside amenities also host food courts, dhabas, motels, fuel stations and public toilets.
Also, the operator and developer of the Agra Lucknow Expressway, UPEIDA has deployed 15 Innovas with 125 ex-servicemen for round-the-clock patrolling and for providing help to accident victims. A total of 25 patrolling vehicles and nine ambulances have been deployed on the Agra Lucknow Expressway apart from UP-112 vehicles.
FASTag rules on the Agra-Lucknow expressway: fines, recharge options & payment methods
Currently, the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has mandated the use of FASTag for toll collection on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. Here’s what commuters need to know about fines, penalties, and recharge options:
Does UPEIDA impose fines for insufficient FASTag balance?
UPEIDA can impose penalties if a vehicle enters the expressway with an insufficient FASTag balance. While the exact fine amount may vary, here’s what typically happens:
- If a FASTag does not have sufficient balance, the vehicle may be charged double the applicable toll fee, as per NHAI guidelines.
- Vehicles without a working FASTag may be directed to a separate lane for cash payments and could face delays or additional surcharges.
- In some cases, repeated violations of FASTag rules could lead to the vehicle being blacklisted, restricting further passage on expressways until the dues are cleared.
How can commuters top up their FASTag accounts while on the expressway?
Commuters travelling on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway can recharge their FASTag accounts through the following methods:
- Online recharge options:
- FASTag issuing banks: Apps/websites of SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Paytm, Axis, Kotak, and other banks.
- NHAI’s ‘My FASTag’ app: A direct method for linking and recharging FASTag accounts.
- UPI apps: Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM support FASTag top-ups.
- Recharge at toll plazas: Some toll plazas on the expressway have FASTag recharge counters, allowing commuters to top up via cash, card, or mobile wallets.
- SMS & auto-debit setup: FASTag users receive low-balance SMS alerts and can enable auto-recharge through bank accounts or mobile wallets.
- FAStag agent booths:
- UPEIDA has set up FASTag customer service booths at major entry/exit points where users can resolve issues and recharge their tags.
What happens if FASTag fails at the toll booth?
- If the tag malfunctions, the toll plaza staff may manually scan the vehicle’s registration number.
- Cash payments are permitted in such cases, but the user must ensure their FASTag is recharged before the next toll booth.
Agra Lucknow Expressway’s connectivity with other major expressways
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway serves as a pivotal artery in Uttar Pradesh’s transportation network, seamlessly integrating with other major expressways to enhance regional connectivity and economic activity.
Integration with Yamuna Expressway via Agra Ring Road
At its western terminus near Agra, the Agra-Lucknow Expressway connects to the Yamuna Expressway through the Agra Inner Ring Road. This linkage provides a direct, high-speed route from Lucknow to Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), significantly reducing travel time and facilitating efficient movement of goods and passengers.
Planned Link to Purvanchal Expressway
To further enhance connectivity, the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated plans to construct a link road connecting the Agra-Lucknow Expressway with the Purvanchal Expressway. This project aims to create a continuous expressway corridor from the western to the eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh, improving access to cities in the far eastern part of the state and promoting balanced regional development.
Facilitation of Economic Activities
The integration of these expressways has spurred economic growth along the corridor. Improved connectivity has attracted investments in industrial and commercial sectors, leading to the development of logistics hubs, warehousing facilities, and manufacturing units. The enhanced transportation network has also boosted tourism by providing easier access to cultural and historical sites in Agra, Lucknow, and other cities along the route.
Lucknow Agra Expressway expansion plans
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway, a pivotal infrastructure project in Uttar Pradesh, is undergoing significant expansion to enhance its capacity and safety features.
Expansion to eight lanes
Originally constructed as a six-lane expressway with provisions for future expansion, the Agra-Lucknow Expressway is now set to be widened to eight lanes. This expansion aims to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and improve overall connectivity between Agra and Lucknow. The project is estimated to cost ₹1,939 crore and is being overseen by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA).
Safety enhancements
In addition to lane expansion, several safety measures are being implemented to reduce accidents and enhance traveler security:
- Installation of speed governors and cameras: To monitor and control vehicle speeds, speed governors and additional surveillance cameras will be installed along the expressway.
- Identification of accident-prone zones: Authorities have conducted inspections to identify and address areas susceptible to accidents, ensuring targeted safety interventions.
Integration with other expressways
The Uttar Pradesh government is also planning to enhance the state’s expressway network by linking the Agra-Lucknow Expressway with the Purvanchal Expressway. This linkage is expected to facilitate seamless travel across the region, promoting economic growth and development.
EV charging stations
Agra-Lucknow Expressway: Eight new charging stations are planned along this 302-km stretch.
Agra Lucknow Expressway: Impact on real estate
The Agra Lucknow Expressway that aims at connecting agricultural areas and industrial cities of India’s most populous state with large cities has been a boon for real estate. Apart from enabling a larger number of travelers to visit the Taj Mahal, the Agra Lucknow Expressway has also boosted housing markets along its route.
The Noida real estate market has also received a boost from this Expressway project that has enabled faster access to Noida from Lucknow. The Expressway has also boosted the property market in Lucknow, where a large number of migrant workers from Delhi have moved back after the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Demand in regions along the Expressway, including Shikohabad, Firozabad, Etawah, Kannauj, Kanpur, Unnao and Hardoi, is also likely to improve.
“Before the Expressway, connectivity was an issue that restricted investment in properties in the state capital, i.e., Lucknow and the national capital, i.e., Delhi, from the cash-rich families of the industrial towns that are scattered along the Agra Lucknow Highway. These families would definitely be interested in having a piece of the real estate in big cities like Delhi, Noida and Lucknow, since connectivity is not an issue anymore. After the launch of the Expressway, investment in second homes has been on the rise,” says Kishore Tripathi, an Agra-based real estate broker.
Once the Purvanchal Expressway (which is nearing completion and may open to the public in 2021) is opened, the Agra-Lucknow Expressway will provide access to a larger number of people from eastern Uttar Pradesh to the national capital through the Yamuna Expressway and Noida-Greater-Noida Expressway. This connectivity network will certainly push property values upwards in the NCR housing market by increasing demand.
Property trends and price appreciation
- Lucknow’s real estate growth: The expressway has enhanced connectivity, leading to increased demand in areas like Sultanpur Road, Sushant Golf City, and Gomti Nagar Extension, which have seen price appreciations of 76.6%, 67.1%, and 64.5%, respectively.
- In April 2024, Lucknow’s circle rates were revised, with increases ranging from 10% to 15%, depending on the property’s location and category. For flats and apartments, the circle rates vary between ₹18,000 and ₹26,000 per square meter, based on the specific area within the city.
- Emerging hotspots: Localities such as Raebareli Road and Sultanpur Road are gaining traction due to improved accessibility and ongoing infrastructure projects, making them attractive for both residential and commercial investments.
- The Kanpur District Administration revised circle rates for land, shops, and residential properties in mid-2024, implementing increases ranging from 10% to 20%, depending on the property’s location and type. These adjustments reflect the city’s growing economic activity and infrastructural development.
- Specific recent data on Unnao’s circle rates is limited. However, regions like Shuklaganj in Unnao have circle rates determined by the state government, which are periodically updated to reflect market conditions.
Investment opportunities
- Residential projects: The expressway’s development has spurred the launch of various residential projects, offering a mix of affordable and premium housing options to cater to diverse buyer preferences.
- Commercial developments: Enhanced connectivity has attracted businesses, leading to the establishment of commercial hubs and increased demand for office spaces along the expressway.
Economic impact of the Agra-Lucknow expressway
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway has significantly contributed to Uttar Pradesh’s economic development beyond the real estate sector. Key areas of impact include:
1. Job Creation During Construction
The construction of the 302 km Agra-Lucknow Expressway, completed in a record time of 22 months, provided substantial employment opportunities. The project was completed at a cost of ₹13,200 crore, under budget from the expected ₹15,000 crore.
2. Increased Trade and Commerce
The expressway has facilitated the rapid movement of goods and services, significantly improving trade and commerce in the state.
3. Economic Upliftment of Smaller Towns
The expressway passes through key cities in western Uttar Pradesh, including Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etawah, Auraiya, Kannauj, Kanpur Nagar, Hardoi, and Unnao, before reaching Lucknow.
4. Logistics and Warehousing Growth
The expressway has facilitated the establishment of logistics parks and warehouses along its route. Cities like Kanpur and Unnao have become preferred locations for companies looking to optimize their supply chain operations due to reduced transit times.
5. Boost to Tourism and Hospitality
The expressway has enhanced connectivity to Agra and Lucknow, both rich in cultural heritage, thereby boosting tourism. The improved accessibility has led to increased tourist footfall, benefiting local businesses and the hospitality industry.
6. Better Opportunities for Education and Healthcare
Improved connectivity has enabled easier access to urban centers, providing better education and healthcare facilities for people living in rural areas. This has indirectly contributed to the economic upliftment of the region by enhancing the quality of life and productivity.
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway stands as a catalyst for economic development, enabling the seamless movement of people and goods, bridging the urban-rural divide, and fostering growth across multiple sectors in Uttar Pradesh.
FAQs
How long is the Agra Lucknow expressway?
The Agra Lucknow expressway is 302 kms long.
What authority operates the Agra Lucknow expressway?
The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) is the authority that operates the Agra Lucknow Expressway.
Is wearing a helmet a must on the Agra Lucknow expressway?
The Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority has made wearing helmets mandatory for two-wheeler riders on the Agra Lucknow Expressway.