Kanpur Metro conducted First Trial Run in Underground Section from Motijheel to Kanpur Central

Kanpur, India (Metro Rail Today): Kanpur Metro has reached an important milestone today, with the successful completion of its first test run from Motijheel to Kanpur Central Station. The test was conducted on both the up-line and down-line tracks, marking significant progress in preparations for the extension of passenger services from IIT to Kanpur Central, scheduled to begin in January 2025.

The test run was overseen by Shri Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC), along with key officials including Shri C.P. Singh, Director of Works & Infrastructure, and Shri Naveen Kumar, Director of Rolling Stock. This accomplishment signals a major step forward in the metro project, which will soon connect the city’s elevated and underground stations.

Test Run Details and Infrastructure Progress

In recent months, Kanpur Metro has been testing its systems, including a successful run on the up-line to the Nayaganj underground station in July and the down-line in October. Today, the train made its way to Kanpur Central Station following the installation of vital infrastructure, including tracks, Third Rail systems, signals, and power supply. The Third Rail was energized for the first time as part of the test, marking another key achievement.

The test run was conducted at low speed in Automatic Train Protection (ATP) mode, allowing for the verification of software locations of track equipment such as signals and axle counters. These checks are vital to ensure accurate system functioning, and adjustments will be made to the software in the coming days. High-speed testing is also set to follow in the next stages of the project.

Upcoming Metro Extension and Station Details

Currently, Kanpur Metro operates on a 9 km section of the Priority Corridor from IIT to Motijheel. The extension to Kanpur Central will add five new underground stations: Chunniganj, Naveen Market, Bada Chauraha, Nayaganj, and Kanpur Central. This extension, set to open in January 2025, will provide a significant boost to the city’s public transport network, cutting travel time and energy consumption. The underground route will pass through some of Kanpur's busiest commercial areas, making it a key component in easing urban traffic and promoting economic growth.

Leadership Praise and Future Outlook

Shri Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of UPMRC, congratulated the team and the city for this achievement, highlighting the successful overcoming of numerous challenges during construction. He expressed that the underground metro will transform urban mobility, offering smoother, more convenient travel for residents. As the finishing touches are put on stations up to Kanpur Central, the metro extension is expected to significantly enhance the city's transport infrastructure.

Kanpur Metro’s current operational section, part of the larger 24 km Corridor-1 (IIT to Naubasta), is already serving passengers. Construction continues on the remaining sections, including the balance of Corridor-1 and both sections of Corridor-2 (CSA to Barra 8), totaling approximately 8.60 km. The metro project is progressing rapidly, promising a new era of efficient, eco-friendly transportation for Kanpur’s residents.

With the metro extension on track for January 2025, the people of Kanpur can look forward to a more connected, modern, and sustainable urban transport system.