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In a significant move towards enhancing urban connectivity, the Uttar Pradesh government has given its nod for the expansion of the Lucknow Metro with an estimated investment of ₹5,881 crore. The second phase of the Lucknow Metro project, known as the East-West Corridor, spans 11.165 kilometers from Charbagh to Vasantkunj.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has approved the project, emphasizing the swift release of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase 2, referred to as the Metro Phase-1B East-West Corridor.
The proposed corridor is set to be completed within five years, featuring an elevated length of 4.286 km and an underground section of 6.879 km. With a total of 12 stations, seven underground and five elevated, the expansion aims to connect highly populated areas of Lucknow, including Old Lucknow’s prominent locations such as Aminabad and Chowk.
According to Sushil Kumar, the managing director of the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation, the project’s approval from the Chief Minister signals the expeditious submission of the modified DPR to the Union urban development and housing ministry. The DPR will further be scrutinized by the Public Investment Board (PIB) before obtaining the final approval from the Union cabinet, paving the way for the commencement of work in Lucknow.
Notably, the route will adopt the 750 DC traction system, eliminating concerns related to power line tripping due to kites, a prevalent issue in certain areas. The Charbagh metro station will play a pivotal role, serving as a junction for both the existing North-South Corridor and the proposed East-West Corridor.
UP Government Approves Rs 5,881 Crore for Lucknow Metro. The expansion project encompasses a 6.879-km underground track from Charbagh to Niwaj Ganj, featuring seven underground stations. The track will then transition to a 4.286 km elevated section from Niwaj Ganj to Vasant Kunj, with elevated metro stations strategically located along the route. Vasant Kunj will also house a metro depot.
It’s noteworthy that the cost estimate for the project has undergone revisions, initially projected at ₹3,786 crore in February 2019, rising to ₹4,264.89 crore in the second DPR presented in September 2022. The latest DPR now indicates a cost of ₹5,881 crore, reflecting the updated financial considerations for the ambitious Lucknow Metro expansion.
