As Indian cities undergo rapid urbanisation, metro rail systems have emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable urban mobility. The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) is at the forefront of this transformation, driving progress in cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra. At present, UPMRC operates a metro network spanning 45 km across the state. In an interview with Indian Infrastructure, Sushil Kumar, Managing Director, UPMRC, talked about the corporation’s achievements over the past year, the advancements in technology, sustainability initiatives, the challenges encountered, and the key priorities shaping the future of urban transportation. Edited excerpts…
What are the key trends shaping the metro rail sector in India?
India’s rapid urbanisation remains the key driver behind the surge in metro rail infrastructure. As urban migration increases, the demand for efficient, high-capacity public transportation is rising steeply, with metro systems emerging as a sustainable solution to congestion, pollution and infrastructural overload. While major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru have established robust metro ecosystems, the latent potential in Tier II and III cities is increasingly being realised. The successful implementation of metro systems in Lucknow, Agra and Kanpur has validated their utility and commuter appeal.
India is actively advancing metro automation towards Grade of Automation (GoA) 3 and GoA 4 levels, making driverless train operations a reality. These systems promise to elevate operational efficiency, minimise human error and enhance safety. UPMRC is among the top players pursuing these advancements across its networks.
UPMRC’s adoption of interoperable fare systems is a major leap towards the “One Nation, One Card” vision. The Kanpur metro pioneered the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) implementation in Uttar Pradesh, followed by the Agra metro. The Lucknow metro is currently at advanced stages of preparing for NCMC integration. In addition, QR-based ticketing continues to complement these systems, enhancing convenience across transportation modes.
There has been a strong focus on integrating metro networks with other transport hubs, including railway stations, airports and bus terminals. Uttar Pradesh has implemented the Transit Oriented Development Policy, identifying about 0.18 million square metres of land around metro corridors in Lucknow and Kanpur. The development of commercial, residential and public spaces in and around metro stations will boost the economic and social development of the region.
Furthermore, UPMRC is embedding sustainability at its core by steadily expanding the use of renewable energy. This includes installing solar panels on stations and viaducts to power operations, significantly reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and cutting down carbon emissions. The total solar power capacity within UPMRC currently exceeds 4 MW. UPMRC projects are being structured to be financially sustainable, with a focus on generating non-fare revenue through property development, advertisements and other commercial activities. Measures such as joint tendering, developing non-fare box revenue models and optimising property development areas have contributed towards increasing revenue and making projects cost-effective.
What has been the progress on network expansion in your state? What are the targets and timelines?
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of cities with operational metro networks. At present, UPMRC is operating 45 km of metro rail network across Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra. Meanwhile, more than 50 km of metro rail network is being constructed across these cities.
In Lucknow, the east-west corridor (Charbagh-Vasant Kunj) under Phase IB has been approved by the union cabinet, spanning 11.16 km with 12 stations. The first seven stations, running a length of 6.9 km from Charbagh to Thakurganj, are proposed to be underground, while the remaining five stations will be elevated. The estimated completion time for this corridor is five years, with an estimated cost of Rs 50.81 billion. The civil works will commence soon. Meanwhile, detailed project reports are being prepared for the Prayagraj, Jhansi and Bareilly metro rail projects.
What smart mobility technologies and solutions are being adopted to streamline operations and improve service delivery?
UPMRC has deployed several technological innovations such as advanced signalling systems, state-of-the-art modern rolling stock and new construction techniques to ensure projects are delivered safely, promptly and cost effectively.
The Lucknow metro, India’s fastest-constructed metro project, was completed in under three years for its priority section consisting of four underground stations. Similarly, the Kanpur metro’s 9 km priority corridor was completed and commissioned in just over two years. UPMRC also set a benchmark by constructing a 3 km underground stretch of the Agra metro, including full tunnel construction within, 11 months.
In a pioneering move, UPMRC became the first metro corporation globally to install roof-mounted cameras for continuous current-collection system monitoring, reinforcing its operational safety regime. Additionally, the corporation has distinguished itself by introducing multiple sustainability-driven innovations, such as an auto-drop pantograph system, 100 per cent LED lighting across its network, consolidated rolling stock and systems procurement, carbon dioxide sensor-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls, and ultraviolet sanitisation for trains and fare machines, underscoring its commitment to operational excellence and green modernisation.
What steps are being taken to ensure sustainability in construction? What strategies are being adopted for energy efficiency, renewable integration and carbon footprint reduction?
UPMRC demonstrates a compelling commitment to environmental conservation, having developed over 110,000 square metres of landscaped green belt along its metro corridors. The Lucknow metro leads this initiative with 65,000 square metres of greenery in areas like Polytechnic Chauraha, Metro Depot, the Metro Officer’s Colony, KD Singh Stadium and corridor medians. The Kanpur metro adds 35,000 square metres, while the Agra metro contributes 1,200 square metres, collectively reinforcing urban aesthetics and ecological resilience.
In parallel, UPMRC has scaled its renewable energy infrastructure with an aggregate 4.41 MW of solar capacity across Lucknow and Kanpur. At the Lucknow metro, the Transport Nagar depot hosts a 2.28 MW solar installation, complemented by rooftop systems totalling 1 MW across five metro stations. Over the past five years, these systems have generated over 6 million units of electricity, curbing reliance on conventional energy sources. The Kanpur metro further contributes 1 MW via the depot’s solar plant, aligning with UPMRC’s clean energy objectives. The Agra metro will soon get a solar plant of about 1 MW capacity. There is a proposal to further increase the capacity by 3 MW in these cities under the renewable energy service company model.
UPMRC’s stewardship in the water segment is another cornerstone of its sustainability model. Through widespread rainwater harvesting initiatives across Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra, the corporation conserves approximately 3.5 million litres annually. Additionally, train washing is conducted with recycled water, and the used water is then repurposed for horticultural applications.
All metro depots operate under a zero-discharge policy, ensuring that no untreated wastewater or pollutants are released into the environment. Biodegradable waste is processed through automatic composting units, creating organic fertiliser and advancing a closed-loop waste management framework.
Technologically, UPMRC enhances energy efficiency through regenerative braking systems. The rolling stock on the Kanpur and Agra metros achieves about 45 per cent energy recovery, while Lucknow’s yields around 40 per cent. This means that for every 1,000 units of energy consumed, approximately 400 units are recaptured and reused, significantly reducing net energy requirements and aligning with the corporation’s sustainability ambitions.
UPMRC also became the first organisation in Uttar Pradesh to leverage the Indian Energy Exchange platform under the open access model, enabling dynamic procurement of electricity in 15-minute pricing blocks. This progressive strategy has yielded Rs 350 million in energy cost savings over one and a half years, with monthly savings peaking at Rs 4.5 million.
What are the key challenges being faced?
A core strategic challenge for UPMRC lies in enhancing non-fare box revenue streams to sustainably support rising operations and maintenance costs. Farebox revenue remains largely fixed, reflecting careful calibration against socio-economic realities, thereby limiting flexibility.
Another concern is securing sustainable capital for both construction and maintenance. Large-scale infrastructure expansion in urban settings presents a complexity of challenges, spanning land acquisition hurdles, regulatory approvals and technical execution risks.
Greater synergy is required for last-mile connectivity improvements such as recognising non-motorised transport routes, creating more stop and halt points, bringing in more mini-buses and mid-buses covering congested routes, and building more parking spots in private vacant land in close coordination with urban local bodies.
Integrating metro routes with existing urban infrastructure and transport systems is fundamental to delivering an efficient, reliable mobility solution. The route must be meticulously designed to safeguard historical landmarks, minimise traffic disruptions during construction and accommodate critical tasks such as utility relocation or repair. Ensuring operational smoothness, timely maintenance and minimal downtime is a cornerstone of our service excellence.
Aligned with the ethos of “Transporting Happiness”, UPMRC has successfully positioned itself beyond a transport provider to become a community partner. Over the past year, nearly 500 passenger engagement events were hosted across Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra, ranging from educational outreach to experiential events.
What will be the focus areas and priorities for the next two years?
UPMRC is on track to complete the Kanpur and Agra metro projects within the next two years, collectively extending the metro network by 62.7 km. Additionally, a 7 km elevated corridor in Kanpur, extending from Naubasta to Barra-8, is under consideration, pending government approval. This expansion aims to further alleviate traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with UPMRC’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
UPMRC remains dedicated to providing integrated, sustainable and efficient metro services, contributing significantly to the region’s economic growth and quality of life. The ongoing and upcoming metro projects underscore UPMRC’s role in shaping the future of urban mobility in Uttar Pradesh.
