In a major upgrade, the Lucknow–Kanpur railway route now allows trains to run at speeds of up to 120 km/h. This has brought down the travel time from 75–90 minutes to just 40–45 minutes. The move is a big relief for around 50000 people who travel between the two cities every day.
Old Bridge, New Life
A key reason for the speed boost is the upgrade of the old Ganga Rail Bridge. Earlier, trains would crawl over it at 10 km/h. Now, they can pass at 45 km/h thanks to new H-beam sleepers and daily nine-hour maintenance blocks. This has removed one of the biggest bottlenecks on the route.
Track Trials Done and Dusted
Track modernisation is almost complete, and successful high-speed trials using Swarn Shatabdi, Tejas Express, and Chitrakoot Express have confirmed that the tracks are ready. Ashutosh Singh, Director of Kanpur Central, said this upgrade will lead to more efficient and reliable train operations.
Rapid Rail Between Lucknow and Kanpur
Alongside these improvements, a new rapid rail system is in the works. This project, led by NCRTC, aims to reduce road travel time from 2 hours to just 40–50 minutes. The rapid rail will begin near Amausi Airport in Lucknow and end at Kanpur, offering a smooth, fast connection.
Metro Links and Seamless Travel
The rapid rail line will link with local metro stations, creating an uninterrupted travel experience across the region. The project will use cutting-edge tech to run smoothly in all kinds of weather, even dense winter fog.
Supporting Growth and Reducing Pollution
This fast-track project is not just about saving time. It will also reduce road traffic, lower air pollution, and support the development of new housing and industrial zones in Unnao and Ajgain. The rail will help passengers reach Amausi Airport from Kanpur in under an hour.
With both faster trains and a rapid rail network, the Lucknow–Kanpur corridor is all set for a major leap in urban transport.
