EIB to extend financial support for East-West Metro Corridor of Lucknow Metro Rail Project

Lucknow, India (Metro Rail Today): The European Investment Bank (EIB) has wrapped up a significant three-day visit to India, culminating in a pivotal meeting in Lucknow focused on the future of the city’s Metro infrastructure. The EIB delegation, which previously visited the Agra and Kanpur Metro projects, is keen to extend its financial support for the upcoming East-West corridor of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project.

During their visit, the EIB officials met with representatives from the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) at the Administrative Building in Lucknow. They expressed satisfaction with the current construction pace and the adherence to international safety standards by UPMRC. The discussions also included the successful operational services on the existing 23-km North-South corridor.

A highlight of the visit was the EIB’s acknowledgment of Lucknow Metro's innovative awareness campaigns aimed at increasing ridership. These initiatives, which target schools and colleges, include unique community engagement efforts such as birthday celebrations and themed exhibitions at metro stations, fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging more residents to utilize the metro system.

The EIB delegation had previously inspected the Agra and Kanpur Metro Rail projects, commending both teams for their timely construction efforts. The financial institution is investing 650 million euros into the Kanpur Metro project and 450 million euros into Agra’s Metro project, covering two corridors totaling 29.4 kilometers. The total cost for the Kanpur Metro project stands at approximately Rs 11,076 crore, while Agra's project is budgeted at ₹8,379.62 crore, with additional funding from central and state governments.

Sheel Kumar Mittal, Director of Finance at UPMRC, underscored the importance of the EIB as a trusted financial partner, stating, “We are grateful for EIB's ongoing support, which is crucial in our mission to develop a world-class urban transport system across Lucknow, Kanpur, and Agra.”

Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of UPMRC, reiterated this sentiment, emphasizing the fast-paced implementation of the Metro projects. He highlighted that with EIB's assistance, they launched revenue services on the 9 km priority corridor ahead of schedule. “With continued backing from the EIB, we are confident in completing the remaining sections of our Metro network on time,” he added.

The EIB's interest in financing the East-West corridor of the Lucknow Metro reflects a strategic commitment to enhancing urban mobility in the region. This upcoming corridor is expected to significantly improve connectivity and accessibility for residents, further promoting the use of public transport.

As discussions move forward, the partnership between the EIB and UPMRC signifies a promising future for Lucknow's metro services, paving the way for efficient urban transit solutions that align with international standards.