Lucknow | 3, July 2025 :  Inspired by the Meerut-Delhi Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), the government plans to build a similar high-speed corridor to connect Lucknow and Kanpur.

Once complete, this new route will reduce travel time from two hours to only 50 minutes, making daily travel much easier.

State Housing Department Begins DPR Process

The state housing department has already asked the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation and the Unnao-Shuklaganj Development Authority to create a Detailed Project Report (DPR). This step will help determine if the project is financially practical.

Central Funding Expected for Faster Execution

Next Steps for Approval

The project will rely on central government funding. To speed things up, the housing department has also sought in-principle approval from the UP government. Once this approval comes through, they will hire a private consultant through a transparent bidding process to complete the DPR.

Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Nearing Completion

Besides the proposed rail, the 63-km six-lane Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is already under construction.

Additional Travel Ease

Because this expressway will connect Bani, Kantha, Amarsas, and finish near Azad Marg in Kanpur, it will reduce travel time significantly. Authorities expect the expressway to open soon, which will benefit thousands of daily commuters.

67-Km Long Rapid Rail Corridor Planned

As per the draft plan, the new high-speed rail line will cover 67 km, running from Nayaganj in Kanpur to Amausi in Lucknow.

Why Nayaganj and Amausi?

Both Nayaganj and Amausi already have metro rail stations. Therefore, extending services between them will boost last-mile connectivity and expand the reach of the metro network.

DPR to Finalize Project Costs and Benefits

Officials say the DPR will reveal vital details such as:

• Cost estimates
• Traffic projections
• Daily ridership
• Revenue potential from commercial use
• Total budget required

Additionally, the DPR will determine the total land needed and the compensation amount for acquiring it.

Committee Formed to Drive the Project Forward

A nine-member committee now drives the project forward under the leadership of the Principal Secretary, Housing Department.

Who’s on the Team?

The committee includes district magistrates and vice-chairpersons from Lucknow, Unnao, and Kanpur, along with the state’s Chief Town Planner and other senior officials. Together, they will ensure the project stays on track.

Coordination with Centre and Local Authorities

The committee will also coordinate closely with the central government. Moreover, it will guide all related agencies to issue their no-objection certificates on time, so the project does not face unnecessary delays.

DPR Timeline

“The DPR should take at least four to six months to prepare,” said an official.

Meanwhile, the housing department continues collecting key details, while senior officers carry out thorough evaluations to guide final decisions.

What This Means for Daily Commuters

When complete, the Lucknow-Kanpur rapid rail project will:

• Reduce travel time dramatically
• Improve regional connectivity
• Strengthen the existing metro network

Next Steps

Once the DPR is ready and all approvals are in place, work can begin quickly. Therefore, officials are pushing to finish this planning phase as soon as possible.

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