Lucknow Metro has announced extended operating hours and special services for cricket fans attending Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. In a move aimed at enhancing the match-day experience, metro services will run until 12:30 am on key IPL match days, including April 1, 4, 14, 22, May 9, and 18.
On these dates, the last trains will depart from both Chaudhary Charan Singh (CCS) Airport and Munshipulia metro stations at 12:30 am, providing convenient late-night transport options for fans heading home after the matches. In addition to the extended hours, Lucknow Metro has introduced a special train wrapped in the signature colours of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the city’s IPL franchise. This branded train not only adds a festive vibe to the city’s metro network but also strengthens the connection between the team and its supporters. The LSG has partnered with the metro authorities to sponsor the branding, reflecting the growing synergy between sports and public transportation in the city. To further support fans, Lucknow Metro has collaborated with Lucknow City Transport Services Limited (LCTSL) to introduce feeder bus services. These buses will operate between Transport Nagar Metro Station and Ekana Stadium, as well as between Ekana Stadium and Indiranagar Metro Station, with extended service hours until midnight. This seamless integration of metro and bus services is designed to ensure smooth and accessible travel for fans from different parts of the city.
The extended operating hours and additional services are part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion on match days. By offering reliable public transport options, Lucknow Metro aims to encourage the use of eco-friendly modes of travel, contributing to the city’s goal of creating a greener, more sustainable urban environment. Officials from the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) have expressed their enthusiasm about the collaboration with LSG, stating that the partnership is designed to bring the excitement of the IPL closer to the people. They highlighted that this is the third consecutive year that Lucknow Metro has extended its services during the IPL season, underlining its commitment to enhancing the convenience and safety of urban transport for cricket fans.
As the IPL season unfolds, Lucknow Metro’s extended services and special initiatives are expected to play a key role in shaping the city’s match-day experience. The combination of late-night metro operations, team-branded trains, and integrated feeder bus services ensures that fans can enjoy the thrill of the game without worrying about transportation hassles, making every IPL moment in Lucknow truly memorable.
