Kanpur, July 2 (AHN) Welcoming the Centre's approval of the 117.7 km Kanpur–Kabrai access-controlled greenfield highway, several senior traders said that the project will cut down travel time, reduce traffic congestion and play a crucial role in industrial development in the region due to improved connectivity.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the construction of the greenfield highway -- a four-lane access-controlled corridor with structures designed for future six-laning. The project will form a key segment of the Bhopal–Kanpur Economic Corridor under the National Highways Programme.

Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal's Uttar Pradesh President Gyanesh Mishra said the greenfield highway will help in saving time as currently the one-way road is congested.

"Recently, there was a seven-hour traffic jam," Mishra told AHN.

"This project will connect Kanpur and Kabrai with Bundelkhand. It will facilitate better transportation of goods for traders. There will be economic gains for the cities."

Mishra called the highway project "a great achievement" for Kanpur.

Kanpur Transport Association President Ravi Shankar Mishra said: "Our vehicles carrying crushed stone and coarse river sand mainly pass through regions in Bundelkhand. We thank the Prime Minister for approving the project which will facilitate our business as the highway has been planned through the regions which are important for our business."

However, he said that the project took a long time in getting approved. "We faced a lot of losses using the current infrastructure as it is one of the most accident-prone roads in the country. Many lives have been lost so far."

He appealed to the government to start work on the project as soon as possible.

Kanpur Industrial Development Co-operative Estate Ltd. Chairman Vijay Kapoor told AHN that the highway will help people to reach neighbouring Madhya Pradesh in less time.

"It will lead to the creation of industrial hubs in the region, generate employment and subsequently lead to the country's development. I welcome PM Modi's vision and thank him for approving the project," he said.

Kapoor too urged the Centre to complete the project at the earliest.

Indian Industries Association's (IIA) former President Sunil Vaish echoed the view that the highway will play a crucial role in industrial development.

"Kanpur is connected to almost all major cities except Bundelkhand and Madhya Pradesh, due to which there used to be extreme traffic congestion and transportation was difficult. Therefore, business in the area was also difficult," Vaish told AHN.

"Now, with the construction of the highway, Kanpur will be connected not only to Madhya Pradesh but also to Maharashtra and other western states. This road will play a major role in the movement of industrial output," he added.