Kanpur Metro: Transforming Urban Mobility in Kanpur
The bustling city of Kanpur, known for its rich industrial heritage and dense population, is on the brink of a transportation revolution. The Kanpur Metro project, a visionary initiative by the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, aims to tackle the rising number of registered vehicles and provide efficient connectivity to its citizens. This article delves into the details of the Kanpur Metro project, its phases, routes, stations, and the anticipated impact on the city’s urban landscape.
Kanpur Metro Project Overview
Introduction to Kanpur Metro The Kanpur Metro project was conceived to address the growing transportation needs of one of India’s oldest industrial cities. With the increasing number of vehicles on the road, the need for a mass transit system became imperative. The Kanpur Metro promises to offer a world-class transport system to the residents of Kanpur, enhancing connectivity and reducing traffic congestion.
Approval and Financing The Uttar Pradesh government approved the Kanpur Metro project in 2016, and the Centre gave its nod in 2019. The project is jointly financed by the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, ensuring a collaborative effort to bring this ambitious plan to fruition.
Project Implementation The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRCL) is responsible for implementing the Kanpur Metro project. Notably, the Kanpur Metro is the first in India to use double T-girders for its rail corridor, significantly reducing both cost and construction time.
Kanpur Metro Operational Stretch
Inauguration of the Priority Section On December 28, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the completed 9-km stretch of the Kanpur Metro, running from IIT-Kanpur to Moti Jheel. This section, completed in a record two years, includes stations at IIT-Kanpur, Kalyanpur, SPM Hospital, Kanpur University, Gurudev Crossing, Geeta Nagar, Rawatpur, GSVM Medical College, and Moti Jheel.
Stations on the 9-km Priority Corridor
- IIT-Kanpur
- Kalyanpur
- SPM Hospital
- Kanpur University
- Gurudev Crossing
- Geeta Nagar
- Rawatpur
- GSVM Medical College
- Moti Jheel
Kanpur Metro Route and Phases
Phase-1 Overview The Kanpur Metro route will be developed in two phases. Phase-1 spans 32.385 km and includes two lines: the Orange Line and the Blue Line. These lines will connect major public nodes and city clusters, reducing vehicular traffic and pollution while boosting demand for residential and commercial spaces along the corridors.
Orange Line Route The Orange Line, covering 23.785 km, will run between IIT Kanpur and Naubasta. It will feature 22 stations, with 14 elevated and eight underground. This line will pass through the heart of the city, connecting prominent nodes and educational institutions.
Orange Line Stations
- IIT Kanpur
- Kalyanpur Railway Station
- SPM Hospital
- CSJM University
- Gurudev Chauraha
- Geeta Nagar
- Rawatpur Railway Station
- Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital
- Moti Jheel
- Chunniganj
- Naveen Market
- Bada Chauraha
- Nayaganj
- Birhana Road
- Kanpur Central Railway Station
- ISBT Jhakarkati
- Old Transport Nagar
- Kidwai Nagar North
- Kidwai Nagar South
- Yashoda Nagar
- Baudh Nagar
- Naubasta
Blue Line Route The Blue Line, an 8.6-km elevated corridor, will run between Chandra Shekhar Azad University and Jaurali. This line will have nine stations and will provide connectivity to densely populated residential areas, including Kakadeo and Govind Nagar.
Blue Line Stations
- CSA University
- GSVM Medical College
- Rawatpur Railway Station
- Kakadeo
- Vijay Nagar
- Dada Nagar
- Barra-7
- Barra-8
- Jarauli
Estimated Cost and Timeline The estimated cost of the Kanpur Metro project is Rs 11,076.48 crores, with completion expected within five years. Approximately 40 lakh people are anticipated to benefit from this new metro rail system.
Kanpur Metro Work Progress
Timeline of Key Milestones
- 2015
- September: Formation of Kanpur Metro Rail Corporation.
- November: Submission of DPR for phase-1 to the state government.
- 2016
- March: Uttar Pradesh government approves phase-1 DPR.
- October: Foundation stone laid by former urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu and then Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav.
- 2017
- July: Civil work starts for phase-1.
- September: Centre seeks changes in the DPR.
- December: New DPR prepared.
- 2018
- March: Uttar Pradesh cabinet approves Kanpur Metro project.
- June: Finance Ministry gives in-principle approval.
- September: DPR sent to the central government.
- 2019
- February: Uttar Pradesh allocates Rs 175 crores in its budget; Centre approves the project.
- March: PM Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone.
- July: LMRC invites tender for construction.
- September: Afcons Infra awarded tender.
- November: CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurates civil work.
- 2020
- February: CM Yogi Adityanath allocates Rs 358 crores.
- September: EIB to invest 650 million euros.
- 2021
- February: Uttar Pradesh budget allocates Rs 597 crores.
- May: Initial work starts for the underground section.
- June: Track laying work completed for a stretch from IIT Kanpur to Kalyanpur Railway station.
Kanpur Metro Fare Structure
Fare Chart for 2024
| Station | IIT Kanpur | Kalyanpur Metro | SPM Hospital | Vishwavidyalaya Metro | Gurudev Chauraha | Geeta Nagar | Rawatpur Metro | LLR Hospital | Motijheel Metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Kanpur | – | Rs 10 | Rs 15 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 30 | Rs 30 |
| Kalyanpur Metro | Rs 10 | – | Rs 10 | Rs 15 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 30 |
| SPM Hospital | Rs 15 | Rs 10 | – | Rs 10 | Rs 15 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Vishwavidyalaya | Rs 20 | Rs 15 | Rs 10 | – | Rs 10 | Rs 15 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Gurudev Chauraha | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 15 | Rs 10 | – | Rs 10 | Rs 15 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Geeta Nagar | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 15 | Rs 10 | – | Rs 10 | Rs 15 | Rs 20 |
| Rawatpur Metro | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 15 | Rs 10 | – | Rs 10 | Rs 15 |
| LLR Hospital | Rs 30 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 15 | Rs 10 | – | Rs 10 |
| Motijheel Metro | Rs 30 | Rs 30 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 15 | Rs 10 | – |
Latest Developments
Trial Run and Inauguration On November 10, 2021, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off the trial run of the Kanpur Metro. The inauguration event was held at the Metro depot in Government Polytechnic. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UPMRCL achieved significant progress, with commercial operations expected to start by the end of December 2021.
Conclusion
The Kanpur Metro project is set to transform urban mobility in Kanpur, providing a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation system. With its strategic routes, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant investment, the Kanpur Metro will not only ease traffic congestion but also spur economic growth and development in the city. As the project progresses, the residents of Kanpur can look forward to a brighter, more connected future.