Alstom celebrates the launch of Kanpur Metro’s extended Corridor 1 with five new underground stations. Equipped with CBTC technology, the fully India-made metro enhances safety and connectivity. Inaugurated by PM Modi, the Rs. 2,120 crore project now has 16 km operational, boosting sustainable urban transport and improving access across the city.
Introduction:
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has achieved a major milestone with the Kanpur Metro becoming partially operational. An ambitious project worth over Rs. 2,120 crore, the Kanpur Metro is reforming urban mobility and delivering on the promise of modern infrastructure for India’s growing cities. At the heart of this transformation is Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, which is delivering high-quality rolling stock and signalling systems designed for India’s needs.
Milestone Achievement – Kanpur Metro on Track:
With 16 km of the total 32.5 km stretch of Corridor-1 now operational, Kanpur Metro is already improving the daily commute for thousands. The new underground stretch includes five newly built stations-
- Chunniganj
- Naveen Market
- Bada Chauraha
- Nayaganj
- Kanpur Central
This accomplishment was marked by the flag-off of the new underground stretch by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Alongside this inauguration, several other infrastructure projects—including the widening and strengthening of the G.T. Road—were launched to enhance connectivity and regional development.
Alstom – Building the Backbone of Kanpur Metro:
Alstom is delivering 201 metro cars (equivalent to 67 three-car trainsets) and an advanced signalling solution for the Agra-Kanpur metro projects. The rolling stock was engineered at Alstom’s Hyderabad engineering centre, while the signalling systems were built in Gurugram and Bangkok. All manufacturing took place at the company’s top-notch facility in Savli, Gujarat, reaffirming its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ goals.
The first Kanpur metro trainset was delivered in September 2021, and since then 40 metro trains have been successfully deployed. These three-car configurations carry around 960 passengers per train, providing a clean, comfortable, and fast mode of transportation for the city’s 4.5 million residents.
Modern Trains, Smart Technology, Sustainable Future:
The metro trains offer a blend of cutting-edge design and passenger comfort. Inspired by Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural legacy, the trains feature a sleek, modular, and aerodynamic build. Highlights include-
- Stainless-steel car bodies for enhanced strength and durability
- Air-conditioned coaches with automated sliding doors
- Accessible seating and areas for passengers with minimised mobility
- Modern passenger information systems
Engineered for speeds of up to 80 km/h, the trains use Flexx bogies and the Mitrac propulsion system, offering increased energy efficiency through regenerative braking. These systems contribute to lower operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
CBTC – Driving Efficiency with Intelligent Signalling:
One of the standout technological integrations in the Kanpur Metro is the Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system, enabling Automatic Train Operations (ATO). Alstom brings over three decades of expertise in CBTC, with its solutions operational across 190+ metro lines in 32+ countries. The system ensures-
- Higher train frequency
- Real-time traffic management
- Reduced headway between trains
- Improved passenger safety and mobility efficiency
CBTC is particularly beneficial in densely populated cities like Kanpur, where efficient use of track infrastructure is vital to handling growing ridership demands.
Alstom – A Strategic Rail Partner for India:
Alstom’s presence in India extends beyond Kanpur. With six industrial sites and four engineering centres, the company caters to domestic and export markets alike. Alstom is crucial in supporting India’s evolving transportation needs—whether through metro systems, semi-high-speed trains, or freight infrastructure.
Committed to local sourcing and supplier development, Alstom is a firm believer in self-reliant India. From conceptualisation to commissioning, it has introduced world-class rail technologies—setting new records in quality, safety, and sustainability.
Insight:
Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India said, “We have a strong partnership with UPMRC and are proud to have contributed to almost all metro projects in the state. Together, we are committed towards reshaping the transportation landscape of the state. The extended metro service will transform mass mobility in Kanpur and provide a safe, efficient, and sustainable mode of transportation.”
Conclusion:
The Kanpur Metro’s partial commissioning and Alstom’s continued contributions showcases India’s advancing urban mobility landscape. With indigenous design, world-class manufacturing, and cutting-edge signalling, the metro not only improves daily commutes but also serves as a model of infrastructure innovation aligned with the government’s Make-in-India goal.
Source: Alstom – Press Release | Images Credit: UPMRC
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