Agra-Lucknow Expressway inaugurated ahead of Uttar Pradesh assembly poll

Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav on Monday inaugurated India's longest expressway, months ahead of the state assembly election.

The CM inaugurated the six-lane Greenfield Agra-Lucknow Expressway at Bangarmau in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh.

In presence of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, six air force fighter jets touched down upon the air strip built on the expressway.

The state government claims the 302-km expressway has been completed in a record 23 months.

It will reduce the travel time from Delhi to Lucknow to around 5-6 hours instead of the earlier 9 hours.

Former UP Chief minister Mayawati said commuters' safety has been compromised as the expressway is under-prepared to handle traffic.  

BSP chief Mayawati said, "As the chief minister of UP, I began the construction of Agra-Lucknow Expressway. At the time of the last assembly elections, I was advised to inaugurate it and throw it open for public use. But, I rejected the suggestion as it would have put people's life at risk."

"The Agra-Lucknow Expressway is still not complete but the incumbent CM is inaugurating it with the hope of reaping electoral benefits," Mayawati said.

An IAF jet practised landing on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway on Friday. Meanwhile, the UP CM has requested commuters not to cross the 100 km per hour limit on the expressway.