Starting March 20, 2025, the Indian Railways will conduct a mega traffic block across the Kanpur-Lucknow route to perform vital maintenance on the Ganga Bridge. The 42-day closure period will impact 32 train services, burdening thousands of transit customers, specifically during the peak Holi festival season.
Kanpur Lucknow Train Cancellations: What’s Happening & Why?
The Ganga Bridge track maintenance requires urgent work which prompted Indian Railways to cancel trains between Kanpur and Lucknow. The course of action will affect 74 trains that serve destinations between Jhansi and Mumbai through Pune and Gorakhpur. The popular trains Shatabdi and Neelanchal Express will encounter notable delays together with multiple service stoppages. The track maintenance project leading to the railway traffic block will start on March 20 and run for 42 days with a scheduled 9-hour halt daily in the affected railway section. A total of 74 trains will face disruption during these operations because two complete train cancellations will occur alongside forty-two trains operating on different paths. During the period from April 30 2025 until April 30 this year all railway services including daily commutes and intercity trips will remain stopped. Passengers must examine rail timetables before making travel arrangements.
Full List of Affected Trains Between Kanpur & Lucknow
Important Express & Superfast Trains Suspended
- Shatabdi Express
- Nauchandi Express
- Neelanchal Express
- Gorakhpur Express
Passenger Trains & Local Train Services Suspended
- Kanpur Central – Lucknow Passenger
- Intercity Express Services
- Jhansi – Lucknow (51813/14)
- Lucknow – Kanpur MEMU (64203/04)
- Ahmedabad – Darbhanga Special (09465/66)
- Chhapra – Anand Vihar Special (05305/06)
Trains Facing Delays (Up to 150 Minutes)
- Lucknow – Kanpur MEMU (64211)
- Gorakhpur – Hyderabad (07076)
Why Are Trains Suspended Between Kanpur & Lucknow?
Urgent bridge maintenance on Ganga Bridge near Kanpur forces authorities to suspend all train services between Kanpur and Lucknow. Indian Railways established this service for both passenger safety and track maintenance integrity. Several trains will face interruptions during repair operations which will last briefly. Passengers should monitor official railway announcements to learn about service resumption schedules.
How Long Will the Train Suspension Last?
Travel will be interrupted without trains until March 30, 2025. Passengers who need to travel between Lucknow and Kanpur during this period should explore available alternative transportation options.
Alternative Travel Options for Passengers
Best Bus Services Between Kanpur & Lucknow
Traveling between Kanpur and Lucknow? The following list presents the most reliable bus routes for comfortable traveling between these two destinations:
- The transportation system of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation offers buses under the name UPSRTC Buses.
- The travel options include four categories: Janrath AC, Volvo, Shatabdi AC as well as non-AC sleeper and seater buses.
- Booking: Available on the official UPSRTC website or offline at bus stations
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
- Trips between Kanpur and Lucknow will cost between ₹120 – ₹400 based on the bus variety selected.
- The journey from Kanpur Central Bus Stand directs passengers to Alambagh/Charbagh in Lucknow.
Private AC/Non-AC Buses
- R.S. Yadav Travels, Safar Express Tour & Travels, and Shatabdi Travels provide transportation services on this route.
- The bus operators on this route operate three types of vehicles: AC sleepers, AC seaters, and non-AC seaters.
- Booking: Available on platforms like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, and Paytm
- Fare: ₹200 – ₹600
- The transport service connects various entry points in Kanpur with multiple stops throughout Lucknow.
Flights from Kanpur to Lucknow: Are They a Good Option?
The decision to book a flight between Kanpur and Lucknow may not be the best solution for travel between these cities. The minimal connection between these cities through direct flights eliminates flying as an effective travel method because the distance between them measures only 80 km. The Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport in Lucknow offers multiple connections to major cities which provides passengers an easier travel option through public transportation between Lucknow and Kanpur.
Are Trains Available via Other Routes?
Trains are the most practical way to travel between Kanpur and Lucknow. With over 70 trains running daily, you’ll have plenty of options. Here are some of the best ones:
- Gomti Express (7:55 AM – 9:30 PM) – Takes 1 hr 35 mins
- Pushpak Express (7:00 AM – 8:40 AM) – Takes 1 hr 40 mins
- LTT LKO AC Express (12:00 PM – 1:45 PM) – Takes 1 hr 45 mins
- Kushinagar Express (12:20 AM – 2:07 AM) – Takes 1 hr 47 mins
Some trains also take alternate routes via Unnao or Hardoi, but for a quick and direct trip, Kanpur Central to Lucknow NR (or Lucknow Junction) is your best choice.
Passenger Reactions & Indian Railways’ Response
Daily commuters between Kanpur and Lucknow experience frustration because 32 train routes suddenly disappeared from service along with multiple train re-routing procedures. The important track maintenance work on Ganga Bridge at Kanpur continues through April 30 according to Indian Railways which has resulted in train cancellations. Numerous rail services need to use different rail routes for their journeys.
How to Check Kanpur Lucknow Train Status Online?
The Internet provides multiple ways for users to view Kanpur-Lucknow train status information between the two cities.
The status of your train can be checked through multiple methods listed below.
- IRCTC & NTES (National Train Enquiry System) Visit NTES or IRCTC websites. The website requires train number or name entry to display live train updates and cancellation or diversion notifications.
- Mobile Apps Download “Where is My Train?” from the Play Store or App Store. You must use “RailYatri” together with “Trainman” to access real-time information.
- SMS & Helpline Numbers- Use SMS number 139 to obtain updates about your train. Call 139 for live train information.
You should verify the status of your train before you go to the station if you plan to travel in the upcoming few days.
The Ganga Bridge maintenance operations affecting the Kanpur-Lucknow railway service will disrupt passenger travel between the two cities from March 20, 2025, until March 30, 2025. Travelers must prepare ahead because train cancellations combined with route changes and delays need passengers to consider buses or other redirected train options for their transportation needs. The essential railway maintenance structure will ensure permanent safety during operations although passengers face necessary inconveniences. Travelers must monitor daily train information by using IRCTC together with NTES and railway helpline services to check current statuses and schedule adjustments. Plan ahead and travel smart!
