Central govt green-signalsLucknow Metro E-W corridor | Lucknow News

Lucknow: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday green-signalled the East-West Corridor of the Lucknow Metro rail. The corridor will stretch from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, and give commuters easy access to densely populated and culturally rich areas of the Old City.The corridor has a length of 11.165 km and will cost Rs 5,801 crore, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday.The Union Cabinet meeting held in Delhi was presided over by PM Narendra Modi. The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC) will now initiate the tendering process within the three weeks. The corridor is expected to be completed in five years once it is started.In a statement, the central govt said that Phase-1B of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project represents a significant advancement in the city’s infrastructure development. This phase will seamlessly integrate the key zones of Old Lucknow, including commercial hubs such as Aminabad, Yahiyaganj, Pandeyganj and Chowk. It will also integrate the other key zones such as the KGMU and major tourist attractions such as Bada Imambara, Chota Imambara, Bhool Bhulaiya, Clock Tower, and Rumi Darwaza.“By bridging these vital areas with the Metro network, Phase-1B will not only enhance connectivity but also stimulate economic activity, tourism, and ease urban mobility for both residents and visitors,” the govt said.By addressing key urban challenges and providing a foundation for future expansion, Phase-1B will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s development trajectory and sustainability, the govt’s statement said.UP govt had sanctioned the Detailed Project Report of the E-W corridor in Mar 2024. The Network Planning Group cleared the proposal in July 2024 and the Public Investment Board recommended it in May 2025.Spanning a total length of 11.16km, the corridor will include 4.286km of elevated track and 6.879km of underground sections. It will feature 12 Metro stations — 7 underground and 5 elevated — designed to serve both heritage zones and emerging residential areas. The estimated cost of the project will be Rs 5,801 crore.The corridor will seamlessly integrate with the existing North-South Corridor at Charbagh Metro station, which will serve as an interchange hub. This integration will allow commuters to switch between the two corridors effortlessly, enhancing overall connectivity across the city.The corridor is expected to serve an additional 200,000 passengers daily. UPMRC managing director Sushil Kumar emphasized Metro’s role in delivering a world-class transit system to congested areas while preserving access to Lucknow’s cultural heritage.The underground stations on the East-West Corridor are Charbagh, Gautam Buddha Marg, Aminabad, Pandeyganj, City Railway Station, Medical Crossing and Chowk. The elevated stations will be Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarazganj, Moosabagh, and Vasant Kunj.Once operational, the East-West Corridor will extend the total Metro network in Lucknow to 35km, building upon the existing 23-km North-South line that runs from Amausi Airport to Munshipulia.“With groundwork underway and essential research data compiled, the East-West Corridor will become a transformative infrastructure project for Lucknow, promising improved connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced quality of life for its residents especially to those living in the Old City area,” said UPMRC MD Sushil Kumar.