The project will also address residential problems in the two cities; an industrial corridor between the two cities being planned

The Akhilesh Yadav-led government is working on yet another ambitious project.

This time the focus is on connecting Lucknow and Kanpur with a high-speed metro rail network and develop an industrial corridor between the two cities.

This one-of-its-kind project in the country will also address residential problems in the two cities and create new job opportunities in the region.

All authorities concerned with the project, particularly the UP State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC), the Lucknow Industrial Development Authority (LIDA) and the Kanpur Development Authority (KDA), have reached to a consensus for putting the project on fast track. A feasibility report would be prepared soon.

“Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan has already held a meeting of senior officials of the three authorities where the project was discussed threadbare...These authorities have agreed to bear financial burden of the feasibility report. The project will boost planned development of Lucknow and Kanpur besides Unnao and create a major industrial corridor,” a senior official said.

Stating that it has been envisaged to extend Lucknow metro to Unnao and Kanpur, just 80 kms away, the official said the metro rail was being planned till the outskirts of Lucknow after which only about 50 kms would remain to cover till Kanpur.

This metro rail would lead to faster access between the two cities and ease pressure on the highway.

“The extended metro line would also give boost to two other ambitious projects of the State government in Kanpur – the upcoming hi-tech city and a mega housing project that is being developed by reclaiming land with the help of the Dutch government. If this plan materialises, it will solve housing problems and ease pressure due to growing population in Kanpur and Lucknow,” the official said. He added that the State government could approach global funding agencies like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for funds.