Lucknow is preparing to take a major leap in its urban mobility infrastructure with construction work on the East-West Metro corridor—connecting Charbagh to Vasant Kunj—expected to begin by Diwali this year.
The project, pegged at ₹5,801 crore, recently received clearance from the Public Investment Board (PIB) under the Ministry of Finance. The final approval now lies with the Union Cabinet, following which the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) is set to float tenders and move ahead with execution.
Planned as part of Phase 1B of the Lucknow Metro Rail project, the new East-West line will stretch over 11.165 kilometres and significantly improve connectivity between the city’s historic core and its growing western fringes. The corridor will house 12 stations—seven underground and five elevated—ensuring that both dense urban neighbourhoods and rapidly developing suburbs are brought into the metro network.
The underground stations, spanning 6.879 kilometres, will cover some of the city’s busiest and most culturally significant areas: Charbagh, Gautam Buddha Marg, Aminabad, Pandeyganj, City Railway Station, Medical Chauraha, and Chowk. These zones are known for heavy foot traffic, ageing road infrastructure, and limited space for surface transport expansion, making the underground alignment a necessary, albeit technically challenging, solution.
The elevated segment, covering 4.286 kilometres, will include Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarazganj, Moosabagh, and Vasant Kunj—emerging residential and institutional hubs that are vital to Lucknow’s urban growth trajectory.
Officials from UPMRC have acknowledged that the underground section will involve complex engineering and logistical coordination, particularly in densely populated areas. Despite this, the agency is confident of meeting an ambitious four-year completion target, instead of the official five-year timeline. This optimism stems from the early groundwork already completed, including route surveys, soil testing, and feasibility studies conducted after the Network Planning Group’s approval in mid-2023. These efforts are expected to fast-track construction by reducing delays during the foundational stages.
Once the Central Cabinet grants its approval, UPMRC aims to initiate the tendering process within three months. Post-tender, contractors will be given a mobilisation period of six weeks to assemble equipment, manpower, and site readiness, ensuring minimal lag between contract finalisation and on-site activity.
The East-West corridor is envisioned not only as a public transport project but also as a catalyst for climate-resilient urban growth. As Lucknow faces rising traffic congestion, air pollution, and unequal access to public transport, the metro’s expansion is a crucial intervention towards creating a zero net carbon city. By offering a clean, electric, and high-capacity alternative to private vehicles, the corridor aligns with national sustainability goals and promises to cut vehicular emissions in the city’s most sensitive zones.
Furthermore, by linking employment hubs, educational institutions, and heritage precincts, the corridor is expected to improve urban equity and accessibility, particularly for women, students, and daily commuters from underserved areas.
If executed efficiently and inclusively, the Charbagh to Vasant Kunj metro line could serve as a model for other tier-2 Indian cities looking to balance rapid urbanisation with climate responsibility and social inclusivity.
As the festive season approaches, Lucknow’s metro ambitions are set to take a concrete turn, bringing the city closer to a more sustainable and commuter-friendly future.
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