Kanpur Metro ramps up green, solar push

Kanpur: Kanpur Metro, as part of its environmental protection measures, ensured provisions for renewable and clean energy at stations being developed under the balance section of corridor-1 (Kanpur Central–Naubasta) in Kanpur.

Five elevated stations between Baradevi and Naubasta were designed to maximise the use of solar energy by using pre- engineered building (PEB) structures for platform roofs at all these stations. The PEB structure covered large spans without any central pillars and was described as aesthetically suitable. It was also cost effective in design and environmentally friendly, with translucent sheets allowing natural sunlight on platforms throughout the day, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and leading to significant electricity savings.

At the concourse level or first floor, the stations were designed to be more open and well ventilated. Windows and perforated panels were extensively used, which the project said would contribute to energy conservation and reduce carbon emissions.

In line with the green belt developed on the median of the operational section from IIT to Kanpur Central under corridor-1 (IIT–Naubasta), approximately 1,200 sq. metres of greenery was also developed beneath the elevated Baradevi–Naubasta section. The greenery was aimed at enhancing the visual appeal of the roadway and helping to control air pollution. Special arrangements for rainwater harvesting were also made on the Baradevi–Naubasta elevated section, where the viaduct drainage system channelled water down to plants in the median below.

Uttar Pradesh Metro also listed innovations and environmental initiatives, including the use of regenerative braking technology in Metro trains and lifts to recover and reuse energy generated during braking, and metro trains equipped with CO₂ sensor-based HVAC control systems enabling energy savings of 12–16%.

It said it installed a 1 MW rooftop solar plant at the Kanpur Metro depot and developed approximately 35,000 sq. metres of green cover, including medians and depot areas, under corridor-1.

It also said a zero discharge system at the Kanpur Metro depot ensured complete recycling of wastewater. Other operational energy-saving measures included LED lighting across all stations from the project stage; use of variable voltage variable frequency (VVVF) drives in lifts, escalators, air handling units, and chillers; escalator crawling or sleep mode and low-speed operations; energy monitoring of all load points; and a building management system (BMS) with timer-controlled lighting.

In recognition of its environmental conservation efforts, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) awarded platinum rating to all operational metro stations of Kanpur Metro.

Sushil Kumar, managing director of Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), stated, “Metro is the best friend of the environment among public transport systems as it operates with zero carbon emissions. Kanpur Metro has prioritized environmental conservation from the very beginning and introduced several innovations. The five newly developed elevated stations from Baradevi to Naubasta are highly efficient from the perspectives of design, aesthetics, environment, and cost. In 2025, IIT Kanpur Metro Station was awarded a Certificate of Merit in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu for its outstanding performance in energy conservation. This recognition reflects the national acknowledgment of Kanpur Metro’s continuous innovations and efforts in environmental protection.”