Lucknow’s urban mobility landscape is set for a transformative upgrade with the approval of an 11.165-kilometre extension to the city’s Metro rail network. The Network Planning Group (NPG), chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), greenlit the ambitious East-West corridor project linking Charbagh to Vasankunj. This decision, following state government clearance earlier this year, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing public transport infrastructure in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 5,081 crore and slated for completion within five years, aims to alleviate traffic congestion, curb vehicular emissions, and bolster connectivity across Lucknow. It underscores a commitment to sustainable practices, including the integration of renewable energy through rooftop installations, aimed at reducing overall energy consumption.
The East-West corridor will feature 12 metro stations strategically positioned to facilitate seamless transfers, with 7 stations underground and 5 elevated. Notably, the corridor will intersect with the existing North-South corridor at Charbagh Metro Station, enhancing interconnectivity and accessibility for commuters. Currently serving 80,000 passengers daily, the expanded metro network is projected to accommodate an additional 200,000 passengers daily, significantly easing commuter strain in densely populated areas such as Aminabad, Alambagh, Faizabad, and Charbagh.
Key stations along the route include prominent locations like Aminabad, Chowk, and the City Railway Station, fostering greater accessibility to commercial and residential hubs within old Lucknow. Foot overbridges (FoBs) and underpasses will complement station design, ensuring convenient interchange facilities for passengers. According to officials from the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), the NPG’s approval marks a milestone in urban transportation development for Lucknow. The East-West corridor is not only expected to streamline intra-city travel but also to synergize with existing metro infrastructure, enhancing the overall efficiency and sustainability of the public transport network.
