The oldest and most congested parts of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, are set to enjoy the convenience of the Metro soon. The central government has approved Phase 1B of the Lucknow Metro. This
new Metro corridor will stretch 11.165 km from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, helping to ease traffic in the cramped streets of old Lucknow.
The project will not only boost tourism but also greatly benefit patients and local residents.
Details Of The East-West Metro Corridor
The new East-West Corridor of the Lucknow Metro will run from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, encompassing 12 stations in total. Of these, seven stations will be underground, while five will be elevated. The corridor will cover 11.165 km, with 6.879 km underground and 4.286 km elevated.
The proposed stations are:
- Underground: Charbagh, Gautam Buddha Marg, Aminabad, Pandeyganj, City Railway Station, Medical Chowk, and Nawajganj.
- Elevated: Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarazganj, Musabagh, and Vasant Kunj.
Estimated Cost And Timeline
The corridor is expected to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 5,801 crore and should be completed within the next five years. Charbagh Metro station will serve as an interchange hub with the existing North-South Corridor, significantly improving the city’s connectivity.
A Boon For Old Lucknow
The densely populated and narrow localities of old Lucknow, such as Aminabad, Yahiaganj, Pandeyganj, and Chowk, have long lacked efficient public transport. This new corridor will reduce congestion in these areas by encouraging people to use the Metro instead of autos, rickshaws, and private vehicles.
The journey from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj is expected to take approximately 28 to 30 minutes, dramatically reducing travel time.
Boost To Tourism
This Metro line will make Lucknow’s rich cultural heritage far more accessible. It will provide easier access to major tourist spots such as Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Bhool Bhulaiya, Ghanta Ghar, and Rumi Darwaza. Areas like Chowk, famed for its culinary delights, will also become more appealing to visitors.
The project is anticipated to give a significant boost to the tourism industry, benefiting local businesses and the hospitality sector.
Improved Access To Medical Facilities
The corridor will offer better access to key health centres including King George Medical University (KGMU) and Balrampur Hospital. Patients and their families will no longer face difficulties navigating narrow roads and heavy traffic.
Stations like Medical Chowk will provide swift access to medical services, which could be life-saving in emergencies.
Environmental And Economic Advantages
Phase 1B of the Lucknow Metro will not only ease traffic congestion but also bring environmental benefits. Increased Metro usage will reduce reliance on private vehicles and fuel, thereby lowering carbon emissions.
Furthermore, the project is set to stimulate the local economy by promoting businesses around the new stations and creating employment opportunities.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his delight at the approval, describing it as a transformative step for Lucknow. He said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this project will elevate Lucknow in terms of economy, society, and tourism.”
He also expressed gratitude to Union Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh for supporting the project.