Metro Corridor Approved
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has officially sanctioned the execution of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the much-anticipated Phase-1B of the Lucknow
Metro project, specifically focusing on the East-West corridor. This significant urban development aims to bolster the city's public transportation network and improve transit options for residents. The project, slated to run from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, will span an impressive 11.165 kilometers. It is designed to feature a combination of seven underground and five elevated stations, strategically placed to serve densely populated older areas of Lucknow. A key element of this expansion is its integration with the existing North-South Metro line at Charbagh, promising a seamless transfer experience for daily commuters. The overall estimated cost for this ambitious undertaking has been set at a substantial Rs 5,801.05 crore, with the financial burden to be equally shared between the Central and state governments, each contributing 50 percent.
Hospital Enhancements Detailed
Beyond the Metro expansion, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet also gave its approval for a major infrastructural upgrade at the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences in the state capital. This includes the construction of a new 1,010-bed multi-speciality emergency center, designed to be a state-of-the-art facility capable of handling critical patient cases and emergencies from across Uttar Pradesh. Complementing this is a new Out-Patient Department (OPD) block, crucial for managing the increasing patient load and improving the efficiency of healthcare services. Furthermore, a dedicated teaching block with a capacity for 200 students is set to be established, aiming to strengthen medical education and provide advanced training opportunities. These enhancements are anticipated to significantly elevate the tertiary healthcare capabilities within Lucknow and alleviate some of the pressure on existing government medical facilities in the region.
Veterinary Interns Benefit
In a move aimed at supporting aspiring veterinary professionals, the Cabinet has approved a substantial increase in the monthly internship allowance for veterinary students in Uttar Pradesh. The stipend has been tripled, rising from Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000 per month. This decision acknowledges the critical role veterinary doctors play in safeguarding livestock health, managing disease outbreaks, and contributing to the rural economy, particularly in a state like Uttar Pradesh with a significant animal population. The revised allowance is expected to benefit approximately 300 registered students across premier institutions like UP Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology. The state government anticipates an additional annual expenditure of Rs 4.20 crore to fund this initiative, which is also intended to boost student morale and foster greater interest in veterinary sciences by aligning the allowance with provisions in other states.
New University Established
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has also given its formal approval for the establishment of Sardar Patel Apex University in Mirzapur, a move that aims to expand higher education opportunities in the region. The university will be set up under the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019, and is planned to be located on a 50.45-acre plot in Samaspur village, Chunar tehsil. The Apex Welfare Trust of Varanasi, which has a background in operating hospitals, is behind this educational venture. This development is expected to foster regional growth and provide new avenues for higher learning in rural areas. The state government highlighted the significant expansion in higher education infrastructure since 2017, noting an increase in both government universities from 14 to 22 and private universities from 29 to 52, underscoring its commitment to enhancing educational access across Uttar Pradesh.
