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- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:12 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The long-awaited metro service from IIT to Kanpur Central is finally set to begin in March, providing much-needed relief to commuters. The new extension will make travel to key locations like the Collectorate, Kachheri, major markets, and hospitals easier, while also reducing travel time and congestion.
Passengers can reach Central Station from Motijheel in just 12 to 14 minutes, with metro services running every five to six minutes from IIT to Motijheel, as before. The extension will significantly improve connectivity to major educational institutions such as IIT, CSJMU, NSI, IIPR, and Polytechnic. Patients traveling to hospitals like Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital, Ursula Hospital, Institute of Cardiology, and Infectious Diseases Hospital will also benefit from faster and more comfortable air-conditioned travel at standard fares.
Shoppers visiting Arya Nagar, Swaroop Nagar, and Naveen Market, as well as those heading to the Collectorate and Kachheri, will experience smoother journeys. Kanpur Metro’s Public Relations Officer, Panchanan Mishra, confirmed that all preparations for the Motijheel-Central Station expansion are complete. The service will commence once the Metro Rail Safety Commissioner (CMRS) grants a no-objection certificate after inspection and a speedy trial.
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Fare Structure
- Up to 1 station – Rs 10
- Up to 2 stations – Rs 15
- 3 to 6 stations – Rs 20
- 7 to 10 stations – Rs 30
- 11 to 14 stations – Rs 40
- IIT to Kanpur Central – Rs 40
Route and Station Details
The extended route includes 14 stations: IIT, Kalyanpur, SPM Hospital, CSJMU, Gurudev Chauraha, Geeta Nagar, Rawatpur, LLR Hospital, Motijheel, Chunniganj, Naveen Market, Bada Chauraha, Nayaganj, and Kanpur Central. The first nine stations (IIT to Motijheel) are elevated, while the last five (Chunniganj to Kanpur Central) are underground.
Each station will have two entry and exit gates, totaling 28 gates across the route, along with emergency exits. LED-based indicators will guide passengers to entry-exit points, ticket counters, and platforms. A Public Information Display System will provide real-time train updates. All underground stations will be equipped with staircases, escalators, and lifts for easy access.
The metro stations from Chunniganj to Kanpur Central feature Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems, including ticket office machines (TOMs), access fare offices (EFOs), and ticket vending machines. There are 11 TOMs across five stations, five EFOs in station control rooms, and 40 vending machines (eight per station). Essential passenger amenities like drinking water and restrooms have also been arranged.
Future Metro Developments
Kanpur’s Metro Rail Project comprises two corridors:
1. Corridor 1 (IIT-Naubasta) – 23.78 km
2. Corridor 2 (CSA University-Barra-8) – 8.60 km
The total project cost is Rs 11,076 crore, with funding from the European Investment Bank (650 million euros) and contributions from the Central and State Governments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the IIT-Motijheel metro segment on 28 December 2021, achieving operational status in a record 2 years and 2.5 months from construction commencement. Currently, construction continues on the Chunniganj-Naubasta section of Corridor 1 and the 8.60 km Corridor 2 (CSA-Barra 8).
The original completion deadline was November 2024, but the project has been delayed by two years, now expected to be completed by late 2026. With the upcoming metro extension, Kanpur commuters will soon enjoy a faster, hassle-free, and more efficient transport system, significantly improving urban mobility.