Kanpur: Kanpur Metro achieved another major milestone after successfully completing a high-speed trial run on the remaining stretch of Corridor-1 between Kanpur Central and Naubasta. During the test, the metro train operated at its maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour on both the up and down lines across the newly developed 8-kilometre section.
The trial marks a significant step toward the completion of Corridor-1, which connects IIT Kanpur to Naubasta and is expected to become one of the city’s most important public transport lifelines.
The testing exercise was carried out by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation under the highly secure Automatic Train Protection (ATP) mode, a critical safety system designed to ensure secure metro operations and prevent accidents caused by overspeeding or signal violations.
Along with speed testing, engineers also conducted extensive braking assessments to evaluate the train’s stopping efficiency while operating at maximum speed. Technical experts closely monitored the system’s response, signalling coordination and overall operational performance during the exercise.
Senior officials and technical specialists, including members of the signalling department, were present throughout the trial to supervise the performance of the train and infrastructure.
Currently, Kanpur Metro is operational on nearly 16 kilometres of Corridor-1 between IIT Kanpur and Kanpur Central. Once the Kanpur Central–Naubasta stretch becomes functional, the entire corridor will move significantly closer to completion.
The new extension is expected to add seven stations to the metro network. These include two underground stations — Jharkati and Transport Nagar — along with elevated stations at Baradevi, Kidwai Nagar, Vasant Vihar, Bauddh Nagar and Naubasta.
According to Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director Sushil Kumar, the corporation is maintaining strict safety standards before opening the new section for public operations. He said an independent international agency has also been engaged to inspect critical systems such as signalling installations and train separation mechanisms.
Officials stated that detailed analysis of the data collected during the high-speed trial will now be carried out. Additional tests involving signalling systems, tracks and power supply infrastructure are also expected in the coming days.
Before passenger services begin, the section will undergo a final inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). Authorities indicated that commercial operations on the extended route could begin as early as June.
Meanwhile, construction work on Corridor-2, connecting CSA to Barra-8, is also progressing rapidly as Kanpur continues expanding its urban transit infrastructure.
