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A high-speed rail corridor is being planned to connect Lucknow and Kanpur, potentially reducing travel time from two hours to just 50 minutes. This project is inspired by the Meerut-Delhi Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The Uttar Pradesh Housing Department has tasked the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) and the Unnao-Shuklaganj Development Authority with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to evaluate its financial feasibility.
The proposed 67-kilometre rapid rail corridor will stretch from Nayaganj in Kanpur to Amausi in Lucknow. Both locations are already integrated into the metro network. This new connection aims to enhance metro usage and improve public transport links between the two cities. A senior official mentioned, "At this stage, we are gathering basic data. Further evaluation and key decisions will be made after the detailed report is ready."
Project Evaluation and Planning
To initiate the project evaluation, the state has sought preliminary approval from the UP government. Once granted, a private consultant will be chosen through a bidding process to draft the DPR. Officials anticipate that completing this report will take four to six months, after which further actions will be taken.
In tandem with this rail project, a 63-kilometre six-lane expressway connecting Lucknow and Kanpur is nearing completion. This expressway is expected to further reduce travel time between these cities. It will start in Lucknow, pass through Bani, Kantha, and Amarsas, and conclude near Azad Marg in Kanpur.
Committee Oversight and Coordination
A nine-member committee led by the principal secretary of the housing department has been established to oversee this ambitious project. The committee includes district magistrates and vice-chairpersons from development authorities in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Unnao, along with senior officials and the state's chief town planner.
This committee's responsibilities include coordinating with central government bodies and relevant departments to obtain necessary permissions and no-objection certificates for the project. Key details such as total costs, daily commuter estimates, revenue projections from commercial activities, and land acquisition needs will become clear once the DPR is finalized.
The development of this high-speed rail corridor promises significant improvements in connectivity between Lucknow and Kanpur. By enhancing public transport options, it aims to provide faster travel times for commuters while boosting metro usage across both cities.
