Uttar Pradesh News: LDA Approves Rapid Rail Project To Slash Lucknow-Kanpur Travel Time To 50 Minutes

Lucknow: The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has approved the long-pending Rapid Rail project connecting Lucknow and Kanpur, slashing the current 2-hour journey to just 40-50 minutes. The 90-km corridor will originate near Amausi Airport, running parallel to existing road and rail networks via Unnao’s Jaitipur and Magarwara before terminating at Ganga Baraj in Kanpur.

National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), executing the project on the Meerut model, confirmed the alignment adheres to Lucknow’s master plan. The system will feature automated doors, smart ticketing, and fog-resistant technology. Officials highlight dual benefits: accelerated commutes and planned industrial corridors near Unnao, with warehousing zones in Bani.

Initially proposed in 2015, the project stalled during COVID-19 but regained momentum after 2022 government reviews. NCRTC’s recent meetings with state officials finalized the Detailed Project Report (DPR), now awaiting financial approvals. Once operational, the line is expected to decongest NH-30 and boost intercity economic integration.