Lucknow to Kanpur in 50 minutes? UP plans high-speed rail corridor similar to Meerut-Delhi RRTS

Representative photo

Lucknow and Kanpur may soon be connected by a high-speed transit corridor, similar to the Meerut-Delhi Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which would reduce travel time significantly between the two major cities from two hours to just 50 minutes, The Times of India reported.

The Uttar Pradesh Housing Department has asked the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) and the Unnao-Shuklaganj Development Authority to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to assess the financial viability of the project.

The state has also requested in-principle approval from the UP government to begin the evaluation. Once approved, a private consultant will be selected through a bidding process to prepare the DPR.

In parallel, a 63-km, six-lane Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is already under construction and nearing completion. This expressway is expected to reduce travel time as well. It will start in Lucknow, pass through Bani, Kantha, and Amarsas, and end near Azad Marg in Kanpur.

According to the TOI report, the 67-km high-speed rapid rail corridor will begin at Nayaganj in Kanpur and end at Amausi in Lucknow. Both locations already have metro connectivity, and linking them through the corridor is expected to boost metro usage and improve public transport connectivity across both cities.

As per the officials, key details such as the total cost of the project, daily commuter estimates, expected revenue from commercial activity, and land acquisition requirements will only become clear once the DPR is completed. "At this stage, we are gathering basic data. Further evaluation and key decisions will be made after the detailed report is ready," TOI quoted a senior official as saying.

A nine-member committee has been formed under the leadership of the principal secretary of the housing department to oversee the project. This committee includes district magistrates and vice-chairpersons from the development authorities of Lucknow, Kanpur, and Unnao, as well as senior officials and the state’s chief town planner.

The committee will also coordinate with the central government and relevant departments to secure necessary permissions and no-objection certificates. Officials estimate that it will take four to six months to complete the DPR, after which further steps will be taken to move the project forward.