Kanpur: The Kanpur Metro is rapidly advancing preparations to extend passenger services on the Balance Section of Corridor-1 from Kanpur Central Station to Naubasta. The three-day statutory inspection of the balance section of Corridor-1 (Kanpur Central–Naubasta) of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) Nilabhra Sengupta, commenced on Saturday. Sengupta and his five-member inspection team held a meeting with officials of the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC). Following the meeting, the CMRS, accompanied by his team and UPMRC officials, travelled by Metro from Naveen Market to Kanpur Central station. Upon reaching Kanpur Central, he boarded a motor trolley to inspect the ‘downline’ tunnel and track between Kanpur Central and Jhakarkati. At Jhakarkati station, he carried out a detailed inspection of various passenger safety systems and provisions, including escalators, fire alarm systems and other safety related infrastructure.This inspection is a critical step in the evaluation process to ensure passenger safety before the commencement of services on the newly constructed section. Prior to this, a four-member CMRS team had conducted a preliminary inspection of the same section from 10 to 14 June.The approximately 23.50 km-long Corridor-1 (IIT–Naubasta) currently operates passenger services on a 15 km stretch from IIT to Kanpur Central, comprising 14 stations (9 elevated and 5 underground).With the extension from Kanpur Central to Naubasta, seven new stations; Jhakarkati, Transport Nagar, Baradevi, Kidwai Nagar, Vasant Vihar, Baudh Nagar, and Naubasta, will be added to the network. Consequently, the total number of stations will increase to 21.According to Sushil Kumar, managing director of Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC), “Kanpur Metro has achieved significant milestones by overcoming multiple challenges during construction. The metro alignment passes through some of the busiest areas of the city, connecting key educational institutions, transport hubs, tourist spots, commercial centres, and office districts. Alongside Corridor-1 expansion, civil construction work on the approximately 8.60 km Corridor-2 (CSA–Barra-8) is also progressing at a rapid pace. Once the southern network is integrated, citizens will benefit from a more convenient, safe, and seamless travel experience.”
