Urban mobility in Uttar Pradesh is transcending newer heights. In a pivotal move, the Agra Metro Rail Project, inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 7th December 2020, alongside Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stands poised to revolutionize the travel experience in Agra. Scheduled to commence passenger services in March 2024, an impressive six months ahead of its initial timeline, the project exemplifies the government’s dedication to delivering infrastructure projects efficiently, thereby significantly elevating the ease of living for both locals and tourists alike.
The project, spanning a 6 km priority corridor, integrates elevated and underground stations, showcasing unparalleled efficiency in its construction phases. The use of state-of-the-art Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) ‘Ganga’, ‘Yamuna’, and ‘Shivaji’ has been pivotal in achieving rapid completion of tunneling works, notably with TBM ‘Yamuna’ achieving a record-breaking breakthrough at Agra Fort Metro Station with Tunneling work in 3 km long underground section completed in record 11 months. This technical feat highlights the project’s innovative approach to overcoming engineering challenges and serves as a testament to the government’s ambition to incorporate advanced technology in public infrastructure endeavors.
Moreover, the Agra Metro Rail Project aligns with the national ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns, with its metro trains being indigenously designed and manufactured in Savli, Gujarat. These trains are equipped with the latest features including regenerative braking systems and automated operation modes, heralding a new era of sustainable and technologically advanced public transportation solutions in Agra. As the project gears up for its early commencement, it promises to enhance the city’s connectivity, boost its tourism sector, and seamlessly blend modernity with Agra’s historic and cultural ethos, setting a precedent for future urban mobility projects in heritage cities across India.
Technological Leap of Urban Mobility
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) is at the forefront of transforming urban mobility in Uttar Pradesh through a blend of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions. With an unwavering commitment to safety, efficiency, and passenger convenience, UPMRC is setting new benchmarks in public transportation.
UPMRC has embarked on a transformative journey to revolutionize public transportation in Lucknow and Kanpur through the integration of advanced technologies. At the forefront of this innovation is the implementation of Automatic Train Operation (ATO), a system that delegates the control of train movements to a sophisticated computer setup. This ensures precision in speed management and maintains safe distances between trains, significantly reducing the likelihood of human error and enhancing the safety and reliability of travel. Alongside ATO, the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system plays a crucial role. By enabling continuous communication between trains and trackside infrastructure, CBTC facilitates closer train intervals. This adjustment allows UPMRC to meet the growing demand for public transport services by offering more frequent journeys without compromising on safety.
In its stride towards digitalization, UPMRC has also introduced official apps for both Lucknow and Kanpur metros, coupled with the innovative launch of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) in Kanpur. These digital platforms streamline the ticketing process through contactless payment methods and provide valuable journey information, making public transport more accessible and convenient for passengers. Moreover, UPMRC has significantly bolstered security measures across its network. An extensive CCTV surveillance system is in place, covering stations and trains to ensure the safety and security of passengers. The system’s live feeds facilitate immediate responses to incidents, while recorded footage aids in investigations and acts as a deterrent to potential security threats.
Furthermore, UPMRC has made a future-oriented investment in the training of its train operators by introducing a 5D simulator for rolling stock. This advanced training tool simulates real-life scenarios, equipping operators with the necessary skills to handle a variety of situations, thus ensuring high standards of safety and operational efficiency.
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Through these comprehensive initiatives, UPMRC is enhancing the passenger experience and demonstrating its commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence in urban mobility. The integration of these technological advancements signifies a major leap towards creating a more connected, efficient, and secure public transportation system in Uttar Pradesh.
Commitment To Sustainable and Accessible Transport
UPMRC stands at the forefront of addressing the challenges posed by rising urbanisation and population growth through strategic expansion and enhancement of its metro rail network. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and sustainability, UPMRC has completed significant projects like the Agra Metro, Lucknow Metro, and Kanpur Metro ahead of schedule, demonstrating an efficient, public-centric approach to project delivery and saving on additional completion costs.
Strategic Network Expansion and Interconnectivity
Emphasising a future-ready vision, UPMRC is committed to broadening its reach and creating a more interconnected transport network. This initiative augments capacity and also ensures a larger segment of the population benefits from metro services, thereby promoting urban mobility and reducing vehicular congestion.
Green Mobility and Sustainability
Aligning with global environmental goals, UPMRC prioritizes a “Green Mobility System” by adopting clean energy solutions and environmentally friendly practices. This commitment towards sustainability ensures the metro system serves as a viable and eco-friendly transport option for future generations.
Enhanced Passenger Comfort and Accessibility
Understanding the diverse needs of its commuters, UPMRC enhances passenger experience by offering amenities such as restrooms, elevators, and retail outlets at stations, thereby creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. The corporation also ensures fare affordability, making the metro accessible to various socio-economic groups and encouraging its widespread use.
Innovative Solutions for Smart Connectivity
A key initiative by UPMRC to streamline urban transport is the introduction of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) in Kanpur Metro, marking a first in Uttar Pradesh. This interoperable transport card integrates different modes of transport, offering convenience and cost savings to commuters. With benefits such as a 10% discount on journeys and nationwide applicability across metros, buses, parking, and retail services, the NCMC card exemplifies UPMRC’s commitment to enhancing commuter convenience and promoting the use of public transport.
By integrating network expansion, smart connectivity solutions, fare affordability, and passenger comfort, UPMRC is revolutionising the public transport landscape in Uttar Pradesh. This comprehensive approach mitigates traffic congestion, environmental impact and also ensures a safe, efficient, and inclusive transport system for all citizens, paving the way for a sustainable urban future.
Collaborative Efforts for Smart Mobility
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has embraced a holistic approach towards urban transportation by forging partnerships and collaborations with various mobility partners, including Rapido, Wow Taxi, Ola, and Uber. These initiatives aim to enhance smart mobility solutions right to the commuters’ doorsteps. Furthermore, integration with city bus services along with the utilisation of e-rickshaws and autos is set to significantly transform the landscape of last-mile connectivity.
UPMRC’S Metro Rail Ventures
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has embarked on a transformative journey to revolutionise urban mobility across major cities in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to offer a safe, secure, and efficient public transport system. With government approval, UPMRC is executing metro projects that promise hassle-free travel, traffic decongestion, and a sustainable environment. The operational and under-construction metro projects under UPMRC are pivotal in realising this vision.
Lucknow Metro
The Lucknow Metro Rail Project’s North- South Corridor (Phase-1A) exemplifies efficiency and rapid construction, having been completed in a record time of just 4.5 years, 36 days ahead of schedule. This 23 km corridor, stretching from Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport to Munshipulia, features 21 stations (17 elevated and 4 underground), facilitating easy access to major transport terminals. The project’s total estimated cost was Rs. 6,928 crore.
An extension, the Metro Phase-1B East-West Corridor, is proposed to span 11.165 kilometers from Charbagh to Vasantkunj, expected to ease travel in densely populated areas of Lucknow. The detailed project report (DPR) for this extension, consisting of 12 stations (5 elevated and 7 underground), is under state government review, with an estimated cost of Rs 5,881 crore.
Kanpur Metro
In Kanpur, two metro corridors are proposed to enhance city connectivity. Corridor-1 from IIT-Kanpur to Naubasta, and Corridor-2 from Chandrashekhar Azad Agricultural University to Barra-8, aim to cover approximately 32 km. The Kanpur Metro Rail Project, with a total estimated cost of Rs 11,076 crore, saw its Priority section inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking significant progress towards full operational status.
Agra Metro
The Agra Metro Rail Project commenced with its first corridor from Taj East Gate to Sikandra on December 7, 2020. With a focus on completing the priority corridor between Tajeast gate to Mankameshwar Mandir by the end of February 2024, the project aims to offer a world-class metro system to Agra’s residents and tourists, enhancing access to the city’s historic sites.
Future Expansions: Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, And Beyond
The government’s approval of the Gorakhpur Metro Lite and the preparation of the latest DPR for the Prayagraj Metro Rail Project illustrate UPMRC’s commitment to extending its network. The vision for 2047 includes metro systems in 100 cities across India, with Uttar Pradesh playing a crucial role due to its population and size. Cities such as Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and others are set to witness significant enhancements in urban mobility. UPMRC’s dedication to providing seamless, comfortable, and fast transportation options is evident in its ongoing and planned projects. By transforming urban mobility, UPMRC aims to improve the quality of life for the residents of Uttar Pradesh and also set a benchmark for urban transportation across India.
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