The city of Kanpur marked a significant milestone in its urban development journey today with the inauguration of a 5-kilometre underground extension of the Kanpur Metro’s Orange Line.
This new section, constructed by Afcons Infrastructure Ltd., connects Chunniganj to Kanpur Central, adding five underground stations to the existing network and enhancing connectivity across the city. The expansion is part of the broader Kanpur Metro project, aimed at providing sustainable and efficient public transportation solutions to the city’s residents. The newly inaugurated underground stretch includes stations at Chunniganj, Naveen Market, Bada Chauraha, Nayaganj, and Kanpur Central. This development extends the metro corridor from IIT Kanpur to Kanpur Central, covering a total distance of approximately 16 kilometres with 14 stations.
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd., a part of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, was awarded the contract for this underground section, designated as package KNPCC-06, on 14 March 2022. The scope of work included the design and construction of 3.826 kilometres of underground rail, three metro stations—Kanpur Central, Jhakarkatti, and Transport Nagar—and twin tunnels constructed using shield Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). Despite facing engineering challenges, particularly due to deteriorating buildings along the tunnel route, Afcons completed the work safely and within schedule. Construction on the Kanpur Central Station began in December 2022, and tunnelling between Kanpur Central and Nawabganj commenced in August 2023, culminating in a successful breakthrough.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Prime and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi. During the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the metro expansion in enhancing urban mobility and reducing traffic congestion in Kanpur. He noted that the city now boasts both elevated and underground metro lines, connecting key areas and providing better accessibility to traders and customers, especially in commercial hubs like Naveen Market and Bada Chauraha. Chief Minister echoed these sentiments, stating that the construction of the metro has given a new identity to the industrial city and significantly improved its transportation system. He emphasized the government’s commitment to developing modern infrastructure that meets the needs of the city’s growing population.
The newly operational underground section is expected to streamline travel through some of Kanpur’s busiest areas, offering direct metro connectivity to prominent locations such as Lal Imli, Z Square Mall, Green Park Stadium, and several colleges and marketplaces. The metro trains will operate at a frequency of five minutes between 6 am and 10 pm, with tickets available through various modes, including ticket counters, vending machines, NCMC cards, and the Kanpur Metro
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. has been an integral part of the Kanpur Metro project since its early stages. The company previously executed the Priority Section (KNPCC-02), covering an elevated corridor with nine stations from IIT Kanpur to Motijheel. That segment was completed ahead of schedule, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, and became operational in June 2021. With a strong presence in over 10 Indian cities, Afcons has led several major metro infrastructure projects across the country. These include India’s first underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata, a unique four-tier transport interchange, a 5.6-kilometre double-decker viaduct in Nagpur, and one of the nation’s largest underground stations.
The successful completion of the underground section of the Kanpur Metro underscores the potential of public-private partnerships in delivering complex infrastructure projects. It also highlights the importance of sustainable urban development in creating eco-friendly, gender-neutral, and equitable cities. As Kanpur continues to evolve, the metro expansion serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to embracing modern, efficient, and inclusive transportation solutions.
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