Govt. of India approves ₹5,801 crore East-West Corridor of Lucknow Metro Rail Project

Lucknow, India (Metro Rail Today): The expansion of Lucknow Metro took a major leap forward today as the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the much-awaited East–West Corridor under Phase 1B. This corridor will connect Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, passing through the densely populated heart of Old Lucknow, and is targeted for completion within five years.

The 11.165 km corridor will consist of 4.286 km of elevated and 6.879 km of underground sections, featuring 12 stations — 7 underground and 5 elevated. The estimated cost stands at ₹5,801 crore. The line will seamlessly integrate with the existing North–South Corridor at Charbagh Metro Station, serving as a key interchange hub.

Station List: Charbagh (UG), Gautam Buddha Nagar (UG), Aminabad (UG), Pandeyganj (UG), City Railway Station (UG), Medical Chauraha (UG), Chowk (UG), Thakurganj (E), Balaganj (E), Sarfarazganj (E), Moosabagh (E) and Vasant Kunj (E).

The East–West Corridor will connect heritage-rich areas like Aminabad, Chowk, and Thakurganj with the fast-growing Vasant Kunj locality, catering to both daily commuters and tourists. Once completed, the Lucknow Metro network will expand to 35 km, offering smoother and faster travel across the city.

The project’s DPR was approved by the Uttar Pradesh Government in March 2024, received Network Planning clearance in July 2024, and was recommended by the Public Investment Board in May 2025. With the final nod from the Central Government, the tendering process for construction will start shortly.

Shri Sushil Kumar, Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), said “The expansion of metro services will offer residents a smooth, safe, and world-class urban transit system, even in the most congested parts of the city. This corridor will strengthen access to Old Lucknow’s cultural heritage, cuisine, tourism destinations, and employment hubs for residents across the city. Just as with the North–South Corridor, we aim to deliver this project ahead of schedule.”

“The East–West Corridor is a transformative step for Lucknow’s mobility ecosystem. By linking heritage areas with emerging residential hubs, the project will not only decongest the city but also catalyse local commerce, tourism, and real estate growth. It’s a prime example of how modern infrastructure can preserve cultural vibrancy while enabling economic progress,” commented Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group.

Currently, Lucknow Metro operates 21 stations between CCS Airport and Munshipulia, serving lakhs of passengers every month. The addition of the East–West Corridor will further cement the city’s position among India’s leading urban mobility models.