Kanpur Metro’s Underground Phase Inaugurated by PM Modi; Afcons Delivers Key Section

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently flagged off a significant milestone in Kanpur’s urban transit journey with the inauguration of a 5-kilometre underground stretch of the Kanpur Metro. Among the completed works, Kanpur Central Metro Station and a 2.4 km section of tunnel were constructed by infrastructure giant Afcons.

Consortium-Led Execution

The KNPCC-06 package, awarded on March 14, 2022, is being executed by a consortium led by Afcons. This package includes the design and construction of a 3.826-kilometre underground corridor encompassing three major metro stations—Kanpur Central, Jhakarkatti, and Transport Nagar. The tunnelling involved the use of two state-of-the-art shield Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) for laying twin tunnels beneath the city.

Tackling Challenging Terrain

The tunnelling phase encountered multiple hurdles, particularly in zones with old and fragile buildings. Despite these complications, Afcons managed to complete the underground works with utmost safety and engineering finesse.

Kanpur Central Station and Tunnel to Nawabganj Completed

Construction of the Kanpur Central Station, which commenced in December 2022, and the tunnelling between Kanpur Central and Nawabganj, started in August 2023, have both been successfully concluded. These developments mark a major step forward in easing intra-city travel in Kanpur.

Earlier Milestone: Priority Section Delivered During the Pandemic

Afcons has been instrumental in Kanpur Metro’s overall development since its inception. In the earlier phase, the firm executed the KNPCC-02 Priority Section—an elevated corridor from IIT Kanpur to Motijheel that included nine elevated stations and a viaduct. Despite COVID-19 disruptions, this stretch was completed in record time and opened to the public by June 2021.

Afcons’ National Footprint in Metro Projects

Known for its engineering excellence, Afcons has built a legacy in metro infrastructure across more than ten Indian cities. Its portfolio includes marquee projects such as:

• India’s first underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata
• The country’s first four-layer transportation system
• A 5.6-km double-decker viaduct for Nagpur Metro
• One of the largest underground metro stations in India

Disclaimer: This news article is based on official announcements and company sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or financial advice.