Two firms compete for Detailed Design Consultancy Contract of Lucknow Metro Line 2

Lucknow, India (Metro Rail Today): The race to design the next major expansion of the Lucknow Metro has officially begun, with AYESA Ingenieria y Arquitectura S.A.U and SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt. Ltd. submitting bids for the Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) contract LKDDC-02 for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under the Phase 1B project.

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) had invited bids in August 2024 for the engagement of a DDC responsible for civil, architectural, electrical & mechanical (E&M), and traction design works for the new corridor. The contract will span 60 months (five years) and play a crucial role in shaping the technical foundation of the city’s next-generation metro line.

Project Overview: Lucknow Metro Line-2

The upcoming Line-2 will connect Charbagh Railway Station to Vasant Kunj, traversing the heart of Old Lucknow through 12 strategically located stations. The 11.165 km-long corridor will consist of:

• 6.879 km underground section with 7 stations (Charbagh to Niwazganj)

• 4.286 km elevated section with 5 stations (Vasant Kunj to Thakurganj)

• 1 depot at Vasant Kunj

The Central Government approved the ₹5,801 crore project in August 2025, paving the way for construction that will expand Lucknow Metro’s reach to densely populated areas and improve multimodal connectivity with rail and road networks.

Scope of Work

Under contract LKDDC-02, the appointed Detailed Design Consultant will be responsible for:

• Civil, architectural, and structural designs for both elevated and underground stretches

• Electrical and mechanical (E&M) systems

• Traction power design

• Ramp and depot layout at Vasant Kunj

• Coordination with UPMRC and general consultants for integration and execution support

Following the opening of technical bids on Tuesday, both AYESA and SYSTRA are undergoing evaluation. Once the technical assessments are complete, financial bids of qualified firms will be opened to determine the lowest bidder (L1) and finalize the DDC appointment.

If UPMRC manages to finalize the consultant by year-end 2025, the civil construction tenders for Line-2 could likely be floated by mid-2026, following the completion of detailed designs.

Importance of Line 2 in Lucknow’s Urban Mobility

The Lucknow Metro Line-2 is designed to significantly improve mobility in the congested and historic zones of the city, linking Old Lucknow with key commercial and residential hubs. It will also serve as a critical feeder line to the Charbagh Railway Station, one of North India’s busiest intercity transit hubs.

Upon completion, the corridor will help decongest major traffic arteries, reduce pollution, and enhance urban accessibility for thousands of daily commuters.

Commenting on this development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said:

“The competition between leading global firms like AYESA and SYSTRA for Lucknow Metro Line-2’s design consultancy showcases India’s growing prominence in advanced urban transit engineering. The corridor’s blend of elevated and underground design will be a game-changer for Old Lucknow, combining heritage preservation with modern mobility. This project exemplifies the progressive vision of UPMRC and aligns perfectly with the broader goal of building smarter, greener, and more inclusive Indian cities under the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission.”

The Lucknow Metro’s ongoing expansion under Phase 1B reflects Uttar Pradesh’s continued commitment to urban modernization and sustainable public transport. Once completed, the metro network will not only enhance daily mobility but also drive economic activity, property development, and urban renewal across key city zones.

With the bidding stage for the DDC now underway, the project moves one step closer to breaking ground—ushering in the next chapter of Lucknow’s transformation into a model metro city in northern India.