Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has taken another significant step toward the construction of the Lucknow Metro’s East–West Corridor by issuing a second major tender for the development of a modern metro depot. The estimated cost of the depot project is around ₹150 crore.
Earlier, UPMRC had floated a tender for the construction of five elevated stations between Basantkunj and Thakurganj. Following the presentation of the Uttar Pradesh Budget on February 11, 2026, pre-construction activities for the metro project have been accelerated, giving fresh momentum to the East–West Corridor works.
The proposed depot will serve as the hub for maintenance, inspection, and stabling of metro trains operating on the East–West Corridor. It will be developed as a state-of-the-art, technology-driven facility on the lines of the existing Transport Nagar depot of Lucknow Metro, which is currently operational.
Advanced Maintenance Equipment Planned
The depot will be equipped with several modern systems to ensure safe and efficient operations, including:
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Pit Wheel Lathe Machine for wheel re-profiling and repairs
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Fully Automatic Synchronized Pit Jack Machine for lifting and lowering coaches during maintenance
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Fully Automatic Synchronized Mobile Jack Machine for flexible coach lifting
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Bogie Turn Table for transferring bogies between tracks
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Automatic Train Washing Plant for fast and effective cleaning of metro coaches
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Electric Bogie Shunter for controlled train movement within the depot
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Re-railing and Rescue Vehicle to quickly restore coaches to tracks in case of technical faults
These facilities are expected to enhance operational safety and ensure smooth metro services.
Focus on Sustainability
Environmental sustainability will be a key component of the depot design. A solar power unit will be installed as part of the green initiative. Currently, Lucknow Metro generates 3.122 MW of solar energy, and the new depot will further strengthen renewable energy usage.
The depot will also feature:
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Zero discharge facility to prevent release of untreated water
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Dual plumbing system for fresh and recycled water
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Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for treating wastewater from washrooms and kitchens
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Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) for water generated from train washing and maintenance
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Integrated STP-ETP unit to conserve land and energy while enabling water reuse
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Comprehensive water storage system similar to the Transport Nagar depot
The 12-kilometre East–West Corridor will connect Charbagh to Basantkunj and will comprise seven underground and five elevated stations. The total estimated cost of the project is ₹5,801.05 crore, and once construction begins, it is targeted for completion within five years.
Speaking on the development, UPMRC Managing Director Sushil Kumar said that the issuance of the second major tender and the acceleration of pre-construction activities mark steady progress toward implementation of the East–West Corridor. He added that the project will significantly strengthen Lucknow’s public transport infrastructure and provide the city with a more robust and efficient transit system.
