Mumbai, July 2: The central government has made a significant decision to enhance connectivity between Kanpur and Bundelkhand. The Union Cabinet has approved a 117.7 km long access-controlled Greenfield highway on National Highway-34, connecting Kanpur to Kabrai. This ₹7,145 crore project is expected to accelerate industry, trade, transport, and investment in the region. Local industry leaders, transport organizations, and business groups have welcomed this decision, deeming it crucial for regional development.
Transport organization president Ravi Shankar Mishra stated, “Our business in gravel and mining primarily operates from Bundelkhand, particularly from Hamirpur, Mahoba, and Banda. This main route, the Kabrai-Sagar road, has now received approval from Prime Minister Modi. We are very grateful, but we must say that this decision came too late. We have faced significant losses and wasted time. This road is among the most dangerous in the country, leading to numerous fatalities. With its construction, we expect to see gravel coming from Hamirpur, Banda, and Mahoba.”
Mishra expressed hope that the new highway would bring relief and reduce costs. “We will save on diesel and tire maintenance. Once again, we thank the Prime Minister and hope that construction begins soon so we can benefit.”
Vijay Kapoor, chairman of the Industry Cooperative State, welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement. “The Prime Minister is making significant contributions to the country’s development, and under his leadership, we are progressing. The Kanpur-Kabrai Greenfield area will greatly benefit our people, allowing easy access to Madhya Pradesh. I believe the establishment of an industrial hub along this route will boost industry, create jobs, and foster national development.”
Kapoor added that if they need to set up industries in Bundelkhand, the quick access to Kanpur from Kabrai will eliminate the need for other locations. “We will develop industries along this route, which will enhance the area’s growth. I believe this will expand industries in Uttar Pradesh. Previously, large industries came to Bundelkhand, but due to inadequate infrastructure, they shut down. I welcome the Prime Minister’s vision and commend him on behalf of entrepreneurs.”
Gyanesh Mishra from the National Trade Council highlighted the importance of the road connecting Kanpur and Kabrai, which facilitates significant trade in grains, pulses, and oilseeds from Bundelkhand. “Goods from Mahoba, Kabrai, Barua Sumerpur, and Hamirpur reach the Kanpur grain market and other markets in eastern Uttar Pradesh via this route. The new road will reduce travel time, which currently takes three and a half hours, often resulting in traffic jams. Recently, we experienced a seven-hour jam. This project will provide significant relief, reducing distance and saving time, ultimately benefiting both Kanpur and Bundelkhand economically.”
Sunil Vaishya, former national president of the Indian Industries Association (IIA), noted that Kanpur is well-connected to most national highways and has a four-lane system in many directions. “However, there was a lack of such facilities towards Bundelkhand and Madhya Pradesh, leading to traffic congestion and transportation issues. The construction of this highway will undoubtedly ease travel. Our connectivity with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and western states will improve significantly. This road will play a vital role in the transportation of industrial products.”
Regarding the potential for increased trade in Kanpur, Vaishya affirmed, “Absolutely, it will increase. A large base for construction materials is linked to this route. Most gravel and stone transportation occurs here, reaching all over Uttar Pradesh. Once the highway is completed, access to the Sagar route will be easier, where industrial land is affordable and offers vast expansion opportunities.”
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