The metro is owned and operated by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) and it partially opened within two years of construction starting in 2019 making it the fastest constructed mass rapid transit system in the world.

[2] The metro services in Kanpur, often referred to as the "heart of Uttar Pradesh", will significantly enhance the city’s infrastructure.

On 28 February 2019, the Central Government approved the metro project for Kanpur at an estimated cost of ₹ 11,076.48 crores and a five-year time limit.

In phase 1, the Orange Line began with the 8.98 km (5.3 mi) stretch from IIT Kanpur to Motijheel.

Many stations will have services such as ATMs, food outlets, cafés, convenience stores and mobile recharge.

UPMRC's Managing Director Shri Kumar Keshav inaugurated the Rolling Stocks (Metro Trains) manufacturing in Bombardier's Savli Plant in Gujarat, located near Vadodara.

[citation needed] The Kanpur Metro project was proposed in 2015, and after state and central approvals, construction began in 2017.

The priority corridor from IIT to Motijheel was completed in 2021, with commercial operations inaugurated by PM Modi on December 28.