Major Milestone for Lucknow Metro: East-West Corridor Receives PIB Clearance, DPR Sent to Union Cabinet for Final Approval
Lucknow, India: In a significant development towards the expansion of metro rail services in Lucknow, the proposed East-West Metro Corridor—stretching from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj—has received clearance from the Public Investment Board (PIB). This 12-km-long corridor forms a key component of Phase 1B of the Lucknow Metro’s second phase. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has now been forwarded to the Union Cabinet for final approval.
The crucial PIB meeting, chaired by the Union Finance Secretary, was held in New Delhi earlier this month and was attended by representatives of various concerned departments.
Corridor to Link Densely Populated Old City Areas
The proposed East-West corridor will cover a total distance of 11.165 km, comprising 4.286 km of elevated track and 6.879 km of underground track. The route will include 12 metro stations, with seven underground and five elevated. These stations will be:
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Underground: Charbagh, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Aminabad, Pandeyganj, City Railway Station, Medical Chauraha, Chowk
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Elevated: Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarazganj, Moosabagh, Vasant Kunj
Once operational, the Charbagh Metro Station will serve as an interchange hub between the existing North-South corridor and the new East-West line, enabling seamless connectivity for commuters.
A Big Boost to Urban Mobility and Connectivity
The new corridor will pass through densely populated and culturally rich areas such as Aminabad, Chowk, and Thakurganj, ultimately connecting them with the rapidly expanding residential zone of Vasant Kunj. The corridor is expected to greatly benefit thousands of daily commuters and enhance public transport efficiency in the city.
With the East-West line added, the Lucknow Metro network will expand from 23 km to approximately 35 km, significantly enhancing its reach and coverage.
Project Cost and Timeline
The estimated cost of the East-West Metro Corridor stands at ₹5,801 crore. The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) expects the construction to take around four to five years after Cabinet approval. Much of the groundwork and technical research have already been completed.
Currently, the Lucknow Metro operates a 21-station corridor from CCS Airport to Munshipulia, offering a swift and reliable commute across the city.
UPMRC MD Highlights Strategic Importance
Expressing his happiness at the PIB clearance, Mr. Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of UPMRC, said:
“The East-West Metro Corridor is critical for enhancing urban transport in Lucknow. This project will ensure that even the most densely populated and culturally significant parts of the city receive world-class, safe, and convenient metro services.”
He added that the extension will also boost local tourism, employment, culture, and food-based industries, especially in the older parts of the city. Mr. Kumar reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to timely completion, stating that every effort will be made to deliver the corridor ahead of schedule, just like the earlier phase of the Lucknow Metro.
With central approval now pending, the city of Nawabs is poised to take another major leap in urban infrastructure, ensuring smart, sustainable, and inclusive transport for its citizens.
