Alstom has handed over the first of 67 rakes to Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation. The rake is part of Alstom’s 201 coach delivery for the Kanpur Metro and Agra Metro contracts.
The 2,051 crore contract includes delivery of Alstom’s CITYFLO 650 signalling solution in addition to the 201 standard gauge MOVIA coaches that make 67 trainsets in 3 coach formations. The metro trainsets are being manufactured at the Bombardier manufacturing facility in Savli, Gujarat. UPMRCL has the option to purchase another 51 metro coaches if required.
Bombardier, then a separate entity, won the rolling stock contract in July 2020. Alstom completed the acquisition of Bombardier in January 2021.
“We are proud to deliver the first metro trains, for Kanpur Metro in record time. After successfully delivering Rolling Stock & Signalling solution for the state’s capital Lucknow, we are happy to strengthen this partnership with UPMRC and redefine the mobility needs of Kanpur & Agra” said Alain SPOHR, Managing Director, Alstom India.
Alstom’s Kanpur Metro Trainset Features
According to a statement from Alstom, the trains will feature “FLEXX metro bogies and the MITRAC propulsion system to increase energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and ensure the new trains meet the highest environmental standards.” Each train has a capacity of 960 passengers in a 3 coach configuration, according to the manufacturer.
The MOVIA metro rakes have stainless-steel car bodies. They will have automated sliding doors, comfortable seating & standing spaces, dedicated areas for entry of specially-abled, who use wheelchairs and modern passenger information systems, combining to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for passengers.
Kanpur Metro Work Continues at Breakneck Speed
Work on the Kanpur and Agra metro network is underway at breakneck speed. Originally approved in October 2016, work began in July 2019 after a 2-year delay.
By June 2021, 500 out of 638 piers for the viaduct were erected. Significant work on the IIT-Motijheel ‘priority corridor’ has been completed as of September 2021. The first station, IIT Kanpur, was also almost completed by August 2021.
