Friday, May 30, 2025
Alstom, a worldwide pioneer in intelligent and eco-friendly transportation, has officially commenced revenue operations on the newly extended portion of Corridor I of the Kanpur Metro. This extension includes five newly added underground stations, enhancing the metro’s reach and providing increased convenience for commuters throughout the city. These metros are entirely manufactured in India and feature state-of-the-art communication-based train control (CBTC) technology, delivering safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly urban transportation to Kanpur’s residents.
As part of the visionary ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, Alstom is delivering 201 metro cars arranged into 67 three-car trainsets, complemented by an advanced signalling system for the Agra-Kanpur metro corridor. The design work for the trains was undertaken at Alstom’s engineering center in Hyderabad, while the signalling solutions were developed through collaboration between their teams in Gurugram, India, and Bangkok, Thailand. The metro cars themselves are produced at Alstom’s cutting-edge manufacturing plant in Savli, Gujarat, symbolizing a strong commitment to fostering local industrial growth.
After handing over the initial trainset to the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) in Kanpur in September 2021, Alstom has effectively rolled out 40 trains currently serving the city’s metro network. Each three-car trainset comfortably carries around 960 passengers, addressing Kanpur’s increasing transportation demands with efficiency and reliability.
Advanced Metro Trains Delivering Comfortable and Green Mobility
The new Kanpur Metro trains offer a sustainable alternative to traditional transport modes, aimed at benefiting the city’s approximately 4.5 million residents by providing a cleaner and more efficient way to travel. Beyond easing daily commutes, the metro expansion plays a vital role in the socio-economic upliftment of the region by connecting more neighborhoods and facilitating smoother movement.
Inspired by Uttar Pradesh’s vibrant cultural legacy, the metro trains blend striking visual elements with state-of-the-art design innovations.
The fully air-conditioned coaches include automated sliding doors, ergonomically designed seating and standing areas, designated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, and modern passenger information displays that keep travelers informed in real time.
Running at speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour, the trains are constructed with durable stainless steel car bodies featuring a modular and aerodynamic design that meets stringent safety and environmental standards. Equipped with Alstom’s Flexx bogies and Mitrac propulsion systems, the trains maximize energy efficiency through regenerative braking, which also reduces operational expenses. The sophisticated CBTC signalling system enables Automatic Train Operations (ATO), enhancing safety, punctuality, and network capacity.
Alstom’s CBTC technology boasts over 30 years of expertise and powers more than 190 metro lines in over 32 countries. This technology addresses modern urban transit challenges by enabling seamless, connected, and efficient train operations, making it a cornerstone of Kanpur Metro’s advanced infrastructure.
Alstom’s Integral Role in India’s Rail Modernization
Alstom is the only multinational sustainable mobility provider in India with a full suite of offerings tailored to diverse customer needs — ranging from affordable mass-market transit solutions to innovative, technology-rich platforms. The company is a key contributor to India’s ‘Rail Revolution,’ driving the advancement of both passenger and freight transportation systems.
Operating six industrial sites and four major engineering centers across India, Alstom meets the demands of local projects and exports to global markets. The company has introduced numerous breakthrough rail technologies in India, including advanced rolling stock, signalling systems, and comprehensive rail infrastructure services.
Aligned with India’s goals of self-sufficiency and industrial advancement, Alstom is actively expanding its local supply network and manufacturing capabilities, highlighting its commitment to sustainable progress and empowering the economy.
Looking Forward
The addition of five new underground stations to Kanpur Metro represents a vital advancement in the city’s transformation into a modern, sustainable metropolis. This expansion improves urban mobility by connecting key areas more efficiently, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting the use of public transit as an eco-friendly alternative.
Alstom’s continued collaboration with Indian authorities to deliver innovative mobility solutions highlights its commitment to shaping the future of urban transportation in the country. The Kanpur Metro extension stands as a model of combining global technology expertise with local manufacturing prowess, benefiting millions of residents and setting new benchmarks for safe, green, and connected mobility.