Kanpur Metro’s Trial Run to Central Station Set to Begin
Kanpur is approaching an important moment in its Metro project as the city prepares for a trial run from Moti Jheel to Kanpur Central. This upcoming extension will be a major improvement for public transport, providing a quicker and more efficient alternative to the busy streets. Currently, the Metro operates from IIT Kanpur to Moti Jheel, covering nine kilometers. With this new extension to Kanpur Central, the Metro will connect important areas like Naveen Market, Bada Chauraha, and Nayaganj, benefiting both commuters and businesses.
The extension adds five new underground stations—Chunniganj, Naveen Market, Bada Chauraha, Nayaganj, and Kanpur Central. While the existing service from IIT to Moti Jheel operates at intervals of 5-6 minutes, the extended section will run trains every 10-12 minutes. This increased frequency is expected to make public transport more reliable, especially in areas that frequently face traffic jams.
Currently, a trip between IIT Kanpur and Moti Jheel takes over an hour by road due to congestion. The Metro, however, will reduce this travel time to around 30 minutes, providing a consistent and timely option for city residents. This shorter travel time will help those commuting between residential neighborhoods and business centers by ensuring reliable transportation regardless of road conditions.
The project team has been working steadily to get everything ready for this trial run. Construction of the up-line track from Moti Jheel to Kanpur Central is now finished, and workers have installed essential systems, including the third rail, signaling systems, and other infrastructure. This groundwork has set the stage for the final testing phase.
Recently, a successful test run took place on both tracks from Moti Jheel to Nayaganj. This test focused on safety and operational systems, with the trains running in Automatic Train Protection (ATP) mode. The ATP mode helps monitor train speed and ensure safe operation. The success of this test shows that the tracks, signaling, and power systems are ready for the upcoming trial.
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) is responsible for overseeing the Kanpur Metro project. Sushil Kumar, the managing director of UPMRC, praised the progress of the project, noting the challenges faced during construction. The underground route passes through some of Kanpur’s busiest areas, requiring close coordination among different departments to minimize disruptions to daily life.
UPMRC is aiming to begin the trial run from Moti Jheel to Kanpur Central soon, marking the final step before opening the route to the public. If this trial goes smoothly, commercial operations will follow shortly after, giving Kanpur residents full access to the expanded Metro network. Once operational, this service is expected to improve daily travel for thousands, making journeys quicker and reducing reliance on cars and buses.
The Kanpur Metro project is part of a larger effort to modernize public transport in cities across India. As urban populations grow, many cities are facing increasing traffic and pollution. By expanding public transport, Kanpur is working to create a cleaner, more efficient way for people to get around, lessening the strain on the city’s roads and contributing to a better environment.