Kanpur Elevated Railway: Work Starts at Mandhana Terminal
The long-awaited Kanpur elevated railway project has reached a significant milestone. Development work on the 15.5-kilometer elevated track connecting Anwarganj and Mandhana has entered a critical phase, with construction officially commencing at the Mandhana terminal station.
A Massive Infrastructure Upgrade
Approved in November 2024, this ambitious project is designed to transform rail travel in the region. The elevated corridor will be supported by 400 pillars, each standing at a height of 18 feet. Once completed, the track will eliminate 17 railway crossings, a move expected to drastically reduce traffic congestion on the heavily used GT Road.
The total estimated cost for this massive undertaking is ₹1,115 crore. Ravi InfraBuild Projects Limited (RIPL) has been appointed as the contractor for the project. As part of the immediate terminal development, work has already begun to widen the platforms at Mandhana station to accommodate future requirements.
Major Station Changes: The New 'Atal Station'
The project will also bring significant changes to the local station layout. According to Safdar Hussain, PRO of the Izzatnagar division, the existing Kalyanpur and Rawatpur stations are set to be phased out. In their place, a new, modern 'Atal Station' will be established near the pulse center to serve commuters more efficiently.
Travel Alert: Potential Two-Year Mega Block
While the project promises long-term benefits, passengers should prepare for significant disruptions in the coming years. Authorities have proposed a two-year mega block starting from December 1, 2026. During this period, several express and passenger trains operating on the Farrukhabad route via Mandhana station may face:
- Cancellations
- Rescheduling of timings
- Short-termination of routes
Construction on the elevated corridor itself is anticipated to begin between November and December 2026.
Project Management and Land Acquisition
The project is being closely monitored by District Magistrate Mahendra Singh Tvar and Nodal Officer Sandeep Kumar (IAS). Recent meetings have focused on ensuring the terminal includes organized parking, adequate public transport connectivity, and proper sanitation facilities.
Currently, approximately 90% of the required land has been successfully acquired, though the final 10% is still undergoing the acquisition process, which has caused minor delays. The project involves a massive collaborative effort between several major entities, including:
- North Central Railway (NCR)
- North Eastern Railway (NER)
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Public Works Department (PWD)
- Local District Administration