Kanpur (Metro Rail News): On July 10, the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) announced the completion of the third rail system installation on the Up-line of the Chunniganj—Nayaganj section. This section is part of Kanpur Metro’s Corridor 1, which spans a total distance of 23.785 km and connects IIT Kanpur to Naubasta through 22 stations. This advancement indicates the readiness of approximately 14 km of the metro route, stretching from IIT Kanpur to Nayaganj on the Up-line.
In the next 2-3 days, metro authorities plan to energise this third rail system, transforming the traction line into a live operational segment. Additionally, the track construction and third rail installation work on the Downline of this section is progressing rapidly.
Shri Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of UPMRC, appreciated the progress of the Kanpur Metro project. He said, “The track construction work in the underground section is progressing rapidly. Concurrently, today we achieved a major milestone with the completion of the third rail installation on the ‘Up-line’ up to Nayahganj. The Kanpur Metro team’s commendable speed in construction is noteworthy. Once track construction on both lines is complete, the route from IIT to Nayaganj will be fully prepared for a trial run. We are confident that this momentum will continue, ensuring the timely completion of all civil construction works on the balanced section of Corridor 1.
Third Rail System
This is an advanced system deployed to supply traction power to metro trains, replacing the traditional Overhead Equipment (OHE) systems. Unlike the Delhi Metro, newly established metro systems are adopting this technology to power their trains.
In the Third Rail System, an additional rail is placed parallel to the tracks, reducing the risk of power interruptions from external factors. This system requires less maintenance compared to OHE systems.
Kanpur Metro Phase 1
In March 2016, the state government approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the 32.385 km long Phase 1 project. Phase 1 of the Kanpur Metro project features 2 corridors and 30 stations.
- Corridor 1: IIT Kanpur – Naubasta (23.785 km)
- Corridor 2: Rawatpur Railway Station – Jaurali (8.38 km)
The Kanpur Metro project’s 8.7 km long priority corridor connects IIT Kanpur and Moti Jheel. This section became operational on 28 December 2021. Meanwhile, the entire Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
