“A Testament to Team Dedication and Excellence” — MD Sushil Kumar
Kanpur: The Kanpur Metro project has been honoured with the prestigious CIDC Vishwakarma Award under the “Best Construction Project” category. The award recognizes the project’s rapid execution and high-quality construction standards. At an award ceremony held at Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, C.P. Singh, Director/Works & Infrastructure, along with Project Director Arvind Meena, received the award on behalf of Managing Director Sushil Kumar. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. This award is conferred by the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), established under the guidance of the Niti Aayog, Government of India, to promote excellence and quality improvement in the construction sector.
As part of the evaluation process, a CIDC team visited Kanpur Metro project sites, stations, and labour accommodations in March. The team appreciated various initiatives such as multi-modal connectivity, non-fare revenue generation through food and retail outlets, book fairs, and innovative programmes like ‘Celebration on Wheels’.
Notably, UPMRC’s Lucknow and Agra Metro projects have also been honoured earlier with the 15th and 16th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards, respectively.
Chairman’s Commendation Award to C.P. Singh
During the ceremony, C.P. Singh, Director/Works & Infrastructure, UPMRC, was also conferred the CIDC Chairman’s Commendation Award for his significant contribution towards the development of world-class metro infrastructure in India. The organisers commended UPMRC for executing the Kanpur Metro project in record time, highlighting it as an excellent example of efficient planning and innovation in urban public transport.
Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director Sushil Kumar said, “This award is a testament to the dedication, commitment, and quality-driven efforts of our team. We are progressing rapidly on the balance section of Corridor-1 (Kanpur Central to Naubasta) and Corridor-2 (CSA to Barra-8), and soon the entire network will be operational. Kanpur Metro has not only set new benchmarks in engineering but is also emerging as a model of modern, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable urban transport. In the coming years, it will significantly reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, while boosting economic growth.”
Integration of Planning, Efficiency and Innovation
Kanpur Metro has significantly reduced construction timelines through the adoption of advanced technologies such as Double T-Girders, Twin Pier Caps, large-scale precasting, joint tendering systems, semi top-down construction, and inverted shuttering techniques. The use of launching and retrieval shafts enabled simultaneous and independent execution of station and tunnel works, accelerating overall project progress.
Fostering a New Urban Travel Culture
Beyond transportation, Kanpur Metro has contributed to the development of a modern urban travel culture. Initiatives such as multi-modal connectivity, food and retail outlets, book fairs, ‘Show Your Talent’, and ‘Celebration on Wheels’ have enhanced passenger experience and engagement.
Leader in Sustainability and Safety
All Kanpur Metro stations have been awarded Platinum Green Rating by IGBC. Energy efficiency is ensured through 100% LED lighting, regenerative braking systems, and CO₂ sensor-based HVAC systems. Passenger safety is strengthened through CCTV surveillance, deployment of women security personnel, and passenger emergency intercom facilities.
Project Progress
Under Corridor-1, the Priority Section from IIT Kanpur to Motijheel was completed in a record time of just 2 years and 1.4 months. In the second phase, services were extended from Motijheel to Kanpur Central on 30 May 2025. Currently, testing is underway on the up-line of the Balance section (Kanpur Central–Naubasta). Meanwhile, civil construction of the entire 8.60 km long Corridor-2 (CSA to Barra-8) is progressing at a rapid pace.
