Progress Report: Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra Metro Rail Projects

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC) continues to advance its urban transit network across three major cities in India. As residents often ask about the scale of local infrastructure, specifically how many stations exist in Lucknow, the agency has provided a comprehensive update in its 2024–25 Annual Report regarding the status of metro projects in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Agra.

How many stations are in the Lucknow Metro network?

Lucknow currently hosts the most complete system among the three. The North-South Corridor, which links Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport to Munshipulia, is fully operational. This 22.878-kilometre route features 21 stations, comprising 17 elevated and four underground stops. While the first phase of services launched on September 5, 2017, the entire corridor reached completion on March 8, 2019.

In Kanpur, the metro project is expanding steadily. On May 30, 2025, services were extended to reach Kanpur Central, bringing the total number of operational stations to 14. This stretch now provides a link between IIT Kanpur and the central railway hub. According to the UPMRC report, construction activities remain ongoing to complete the remaining sections of the planned network.

Agra’s metro system, while newer, has also reached a significant milestone. Passenger operations began on March 6, 2024, along a 6-kilometre priority corridor. This initial section connects Taj East Gate with the Mankameshwar Metro Station, marking the city's formal entry into the metro rail era.

The UPMRC is operating metro services in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Agra with ongoing construction in select cities.

These projects are managed by the UPMRC, which operates as a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. While the Lucknow network is fully functional, the ongoing work in Kanpur and Agra indicates that further expansion is expected to improve connectivity for commuters in these regions in the coming years.

Why it matters

The ongoing development of these metro corridors is significant for urban mobility in Uttar Pradesh. By providing reliable public transport, these projects offer a sustainable alternative to road-based travel, directly affecting the daily commute of thousands of residents in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Agra.