“Uttar Pradesh is tackling urban traffic congestion with new flyover projects, including a Y-shaped satellite flyover in Bareilly and a four-lane Pilibhit bypass. Approved by CM Yogi Adityanath, these initiatives aim to streamline traffic, reduce travel time, and boost connectivity. The projects reflect UP’s focus on sustainable urban infrastructure to support growing populations and economic activity.”
UP’s Ambitious Flyover Projects to Transform Urban Mobility
Uttar Pradesh is accelerating its urban infrastructure development with a series of new flyover projects aimed at alleviating chronic traffic congestion in its bustling cities. On August 6, 2025, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a high-level review meeting in Bareilly, greenlit key projects, including a Y-shaped satellite flyover and a four-lane Pilibhit bypass, emphasizing timely execution and public participation. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity, reduce commuter stress, and support economic growth in the state’s urban centers.
The Y-shaped satellite flyover in Bareilly is designed to address traffic bottlenecks at critical junctions, offering a seamless commute for residents and visitors alike. The four-lane Pilibhit bypass, another flagship project, aims to divert heavy vehicular traffic from city centers, reducing congestion and improving road safety. These projects align with UP’s vision to modernize its urban infrastructure, catering to a growing population and increasing vehicle ownership, which has strained existing road networks.
In addition to Bareilly, other cities in Uttar Pradesh are witnessing similar infrastructure upgrades. For instance, the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, a 62-km, six-lane project, includes six flyovers and is expected to slash travel times while boosting trade and commerce. The expressway, notified as National Expressway 6 in December 2020, features elevated portions and underpasses to ensure smoother traffic flow. Similarly, the Agra-Bareilly Expressway, with its network of flyovers, is projected to cut travel time between the two cities to just four hours, enhancing connectivity and reducing accident risks.
The state’s infrastructure push comes at a critical time. With India’s urban population projected to reach 600 million by 2036, cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Bareilly face mounting pressure on their road networks. The World Bank estimates that India requires $840 billion in urban infrastructure investment over the next 15 years to meet these demands, with Uttar Pradesh at the forefront of this transformation. The state government is leveraging public-private partnerships and central funding to expedite these projects, ensuring they are completed within stipulated timelines.
However, experts caution that flyovers alone may not solve traffic woes. Urban mobility specialists argue that while flyovers provide short-term relief, they often encourage more private vehicle use, leading to renewed congestion. Prashanth Bachu, an urban mobility expert, noted that each flyover lane can handle about 1,200 car-equivalents per hour, but bottlenecks at subsequent junctions can negate these gains. He advocates for integrated solutions, such as improved public transport and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, to complement flyovers. Cities like Ranchi, which stalled flyover projects in favor of prioritizing walking, cycling, and public transport, serve as a model for sustainable urban planning.
Despite these concerns, the immediate benefits of UP’s flyover projects are evident. The Pilibhit bypass, for instance, is expected to reduce fuel consumption and pollution by diverting heavy vehicles from congested urban routes. The Bareilly flyover, with its innovative Y-shaped design, will streamline traffic at busy intersections, cutting commute times significantly. Local residents have welcomed these developments, citing the daily gridlock that has long plagued their cities. “The traffic in Bareilly is unbearable during peak hours. A flyover will make a huge difference,” said Anil Kumar, a local shopkeeper.
The state government is also focusing on aesthetics and sustainability. Inspired by global examples like Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon River Linear Park, which replaced an elevated road with a green public space, UP authorities are exploring ways to integrate greenery and pedestrian zones beneath flyovers. This approach aims to balance infrastructure development with environmental considerations, addressing criticisms that flyovers prioritize cars over people.
As Uttar Pradesh continues its infrastructure overhaul, the success of these projects will depend on meticulous planning and execution. The government’s emphasis on public participation, as highlighted by CM Adityanath, ensures that local needs are prioritized. With land surveys completed and budgets allocated, construction is set to begin soon, promising a smoother, faster, and more connected urban experience for UP’s residents.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements, and expert opinions sourced from credible platforms, including The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, and The Hindu. Data on urban infrastructure investments is drawn from World Bank reports. Views expressed by experts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publication’s stance.