The long-awaited East-West corridor of Lucknow Metro has cleared a key milestone.
The Public Investment Board (PIB) has formally endorsed Phase 1B of the project, bringing the Uttar Pradesh capital closer to an expanded mass transit network aimed at reducing congestion and car-dependency. This next leg of the city’s metro expansion stretches 11.165 kilometres, linking the pivotal Charbagh junction with the western residential suburb of Vasant Kunj. Comprising a 6.879 km underground section and a 4.286 km elevated segment, the route is designed to weave through some of the city’s most densely populated and commercially vibrant neighbourhoods, including Aminabad and Chowk.
The corridor is projected to cost ₹5,801 crore and is scheduled for completion within five years of project initiation. With the Union Cabinet’s final approval now pending, authorities are hopeful of commencing construction by Diwali 2025, aligning with the state’s broader transport and climate resilience goals. Twelve stations have been proposed for this corridor—seven underground and five elevated—strategically placed to connect high-density population zones, markets, healthcare hubs, and historic districts. These include underground stops at Charbagh, Gautam Buddha Marg, Aminabad, Pandeyganj, City Railway Station, Medical Chauraha, and Chowk, and elevated platforms at Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarazganj, Moosabagh, and Vasant Kunj.
A crucial design highlight of the East-West corridor is its interchange facility at Charbagh, where it will seamlessly integrate with the operational 23-km North-South metro line. This move not only enhances multimodal mobility but also signals a step toward a more connected and efficient urban transit backbone.
By expanding the metro network from 23 to 35 kilometres, the Phase 1B extension promises to make public transport accessible to thousands of new commuters across underserved areas. Commercial centres such as Aminabad and Chowk—often plagued by traffic snarls—are set to benefit immensely from the expected modal shift from private vehicles to metro rail.
The project’s approval is also a reflection of the government’s increasing emphasis on inclusive and green infrastructure in Tier-II cities. With carbon emissions and urban congestion on the rise, metro networks like Lucknow’s are crucial to reshaping how cities grow and breathe. Improved connectivity, lower vehicular pollution, and time-efficient commuting stand to transform daily life for many, especially in areas historically cut off from swift mobility. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) received the Uttar Pradesh government’s approval in March 2024, followed by clearance from the Network Planning Group in July of the same year. With the PIB’s green signal now in place, stakeholders are optimistic about a smooth and timely rollout—subject to central cabinet ratification.
Despite its later start compared to cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, Lucknow’s metro ambitions remain on track. While Delhi boasts a 395 km network and Hyderabad has surpassed 69 km, Lucknow’s modest but strategic expansion reflects a careful urban mobility model that blends heritage, population dynamics, and sustainability. As the city awaits the final nod from the Union Cabinet, the East-West corridor signals more than just a metro line. It embodies Lucknow’s pivot to modern, low-emission public infrastructure—one that supports inclusive economic growth while safeguarding its historic core.
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