The mishap took place at around 3 AM near Pukhrayan, about 100 kms from here, when the passengers were fast asleep.
"As of now 45 persons have died in the incident," UP ADG, Law and Order, Daljeet Chowdhury said.
"Over 150 injured people have been rushed to nearby hospitals in the area. All hospitals have been asked to be alert. More than 30 ambulances have been pressed into service," IG (Kanpur range) Zaki Ahmed told PTI.
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered a probe into the train tragedy.
More From This Section
"All rescue relief work is on to deal with the unfortunate accident. All medical and other help rushed. Inquiry ordered. Situation monitored closely," Prabhu said in a tweet.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has instructed the DGP to personally monitor the relief operations and deploy traffic police along the route of the mishap site to ensure green corridor for ambulances to reach hospitals quickly.
Kanpur district officials have been instructed to take support of Indian Medical Association to avail the services of more doctors for extending medical support to train accident patients, the CM said.
DG Health & ADG (Law and Order) have also been rushed to the accident spot to monitor the relief operations.