Lucknow’s urban transport landscape is set to receive a major boost as the Union Cabinet has approved Phase-1B of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project, valued at Rs 58.01 billion. This 11.165 km corridor will add 12 new stations—seven underground and five elevated—extending the city’s metro network to 34 km. Officials say the expansion will enhance connectivity across key commercial, healthcare, tourist, and cultural hubs of the historic city.
Phase-1B focuses on densely populated areas including Aminabad, Yahiyaganj, Pandeyganj, Chowk, and King George’s Medical University, while also serving iconic landmarks such as Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza. Experts indicate that improved access to these districts will make daily commuting safer, faster, and more sustainable, especially in zones currently underserved by public transport. The project promises significant benefits for both the environment and urban mobility. By providing a reliable, electrified transit option, the metro is expected to substantially reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional road transport. Officials highlight that this will complement the city’s broader green mobility initiatives, contributing to more sustainable, zero net carbon urban development.
Traffic decongestion is another major advantage. By offering commuters an efficient alternative to road travel, Phase-1B is projected to reduce pressure on busy thoroughfares, improving traffic flow, road safety, and the overall quality of urban life. Transportation analysts emphasise that easing congestion in the city’s historic core will also facilitate better logistics and emergency response across Lucknow. Economic experts point out that the metro expansion will stimulate local commerce and productivity. Enhanced connectivity to airports, railway stations, and bus terminals is expected to support regional trade and tourism while opening new opportunities for businesses and service providers near the metro stations. Affordable, reliable access to public transport is also anticipated to reduce social disparities, offering equitable mobility options for residents across socio-economic backgrounds.
Officials indicate that the metro’s implementation aligns with future network expansions, laying the groundwork for an integrated, city-wide transit ecosystem. As Phase-1B progresses, planners are prioritising sustainability, equitable access, and gender-neutral urban mobility solutions to ensure that the metro system serves the widest possible segment of the city’s population. Transportation experts observe that Lucknow’s metro expansion reflects a broader national trend of integrating modern, eco-friendly transit into historically dense urban centres. The move is expected to transform the city’s commuting patterns, reduce dependency on personal vehicles, and promote a greener, more efficient urban future.
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