Kanpur and Agra metro rail projects to be completed in five years. Credit: Martin LaBar.

The Government of India has approved metro rail projects in the cities of Agra and Kanpur, both in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Both metro systems will have two corridors and are expected to mitigate road congestion and pollution issues in the cities, offering a swift transportation alternative.

The Kanpur metro rail project will be built at a cost of Rs110.76bn ($1.56bn), while the Agra metro project will involve an investment of Rs83.79bn ($1.18bn).

The first corridor of Kanpur Metro Rail will stretch from ITT to Naubasta. The 23.79km segment will feature 14 elevated and eight underground stations.

“The Kanpur metro rail project will be built at a cost of Rs110.76bn ($1.56bn), while the Agra metro project will involve an investment of Rs83.79bn ($1.18bn).”

Kanpur Metro’s second corridor will run from Agriculture University to Barra-8. This 8.60km stretch will have four elevated and four underground stations.

The Agra Metro Rail Project is designed to offer connectivity to prominent tourist spots in the city, including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Sikandra.

The first 14km-long corridor will run between Sikandra and Taj East Gate. The corridor will feature six elevated and seven underground stations.

Comprising 14 elevated stations, the second 15.4km-long corridor will connect Agra Cantt to KalindiVihar.

Both projects are expected to be completed in five years.

Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail, a special-purpose vehicle jointly owned by the central and state governments, will be implementing the two metro rail projects.

The two projects will be funded by the Government of India and Uttar Pradesh on an equal equity basis. Additionally, the projects will apply for soft loans from international funding agencies.

Last month, India approved the $1.88bn Patna Metro Rail Project in the state of Bihar.