Lucknow’s public transport network is set for a significant transformation after the Union Cabinet cleared a Rs 5,801 crore investment for Phase 1B of the city’s metro rail project. Designed to reduce congestion, create jobs and promote sustainable urban mobility, the expansion is positioned as a key step in aligning the city’s growth with modern infrastructure demands and environmental goals.
The 11.165-kilometre stretch under Phase 1B will link densely populated parts of old Lucknow with the newer city zones through 12 stations, including seven underground and five elevated. Once operational, the metro network will extend to 34 kilometres, providing direct connectivity to commercial hubs such as Aminabad, Pandeyganj and Yahiyaganj, as well as cultural and heritage sites including Bada Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and the Clock Tower. Transport experts say this alignment has been strategically planned to integrate economic centres, heritage areas, and residential clusters, allowing commuters and tourists alike to move seamlessly across the city. The route will also connect major healthcare institutions and educational centres, while linking with the airport, railway stations, and bus terminals to create a multi-modal transport grid.
Officials confirmed that beyond improving daily travel, the project is expected to act as a catalyst for urban renewal. Increased footfall in heritage areas is likely to strengthen local businesses, while better connectivity can stimulate real estate growth in underdeveloped corridors. Authorities emphasised that the environmental benefits—such as reduced vehicle emissions, lower fuel consumption, and less road congestion—are central to the plan. With the project’s emphasis on equitable access, the metro will serve commuters across socio-economic groups, bridging transport gaps and enabling affordable, reliable travel. This is aligned with the city’s vision of becoming both economically competitive and socially inclusive. By reducing travel time between old and new districts, the expansion is expected to enhance productivity for businesses and improve quality of life for residents.
Urban planners have highlighted that the success of Phase 1B will depend on effective integration with existing road networks and last-mile connectivity solutions. Provisions for cycling tracks, pedestrian pathways, and feeder buses are being explored to ensure the metro complements rather than competes with other mobility modes. Authorities view the Cabinet approval as a milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure development push, with the metro project positioned as a model for future sustainable city initiatives. By combining heritage preservation with modern transit needs, the expansion could mark a turning point in Lucknow’s journey towards becoming a world-class, climate-resilient urban centre.
