Lucknow, India — In a major step toward improving traffic flow and decongesting railway routes in the state capital, Lucknow is set to witness the development of a large-scale Orbital Rail Corridor, complementing earlier efforts such as the construction of the Outer Ring Road. The Indian Railways has approved the final location survey for this ambitious project, which aims to create a circular railway network around the city to reduce pressure on routes within the urban core.
The Northern Railway’s Lucknow Division is set to begin work on the 170-km-long Orbital Rail Corridor, with a budget allocation of ₹4.25 crore for the survey phase alone. This corridor will encircle the city, functioning much like ring roads in other major metropolitan areas, and is expected to significantly ease both road and rail traffic in Lucknow.
Key Railway Stations to Be Connected
Under this project, important railway stations such as Alamnagar, Manaknagar, Utraitia, Malhaur, Mohibullapur, Sultanpur, Anoopganj or Bakkas, and Badshahnagar will be linked through the orbital rail network. Once operational, freight trains and select passenger trains entering from outside will no longer need to pass through the congested Charbagh Railway Station, further relieving the city’s rail infrastructure.
Improved Traffic and Reduced Train Delays
The corridor is anticipated to bring about a significant improvement in Lucknow’s traffic management while enhancing the efficiency of train operations. Railway officials estimate that the corridor will help save up to one hour per train by reducing delays caused by urban congestion.
Additionally, the Orbital Rail Corridor will feature Y-connections that will allow seamless train movement and rail-on-rail flyovers to avoid bottlenecks on key routes. A state-of-the-art Greenfield Mega Passenger Terminal is also planned as part of the project. This new terminal will boast over 30 railway lines and 20 platforms, enhancing the city’s capacity to handle growing passenger traffic.
With the project now approved and survey work expected to commence soon, the Orbital Rail Corridor is poised to transform the transportation landscape of Lucknow, offering both economic and infrastructural benefits to the city’s residents and visitors alike.
