Lucknow’s public transport takes a major step forward as officials give the green light for the new East-West Metro corridor. This long-awaited approval means work can soon begin on the vital route, set to connect Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, making daily travel simpler for thousands of city residents and easing traffic. The project promises to reshape how people move across the city, bringing rapid transit closer to more neighborhoods and reducing crowded roads. This crucial change builds on the success of the existing North-South line, signaling a significant expansion of the metro network that will boost connectivity and urban convenience for years to come.
New Metro Line Gets Go Ahead
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the East-West Corridor of the Lucknow Metro rail. This essential decision was made on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. This new metro line, also known as Phase 1B or the Blue Line, is set to connect Charbagh to Vasant Kunj.
The project spans a total length of 11. 165 kilometers. It will include a mix of elevated and underground sections. Approximately 4. 286 kilometers of the track will be elevated, while the remaining 6. 879 kilometers will run underground. The East-West corridor will feature 12 metro stations. Seven of these stations will be underground. five will be elevated. The estimated cost for this large-scale project is Rs 5,801 crore. Officials expect the corridor to be completed within five years once construction begins.
The stations planned along this new line are:
- Underground Stations: Charbagh, Gautam Buddha Marg, Aminabad, Pandeyganj, City Railway Station, Medical Chauraha, Chowk.
- Elevated Stations: Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarazganj, Moosabagh, Vasant Kunj.
Connecting Key City Areas
This new East-West corridor is designed to greatly improve travel across Lucknow, especially in the older and more crowded parts of the city. It will link essential commercial areas like Aminabad, Yahiyaganj, Pandeyganj. Chowk. This means people going to these busy markets will have an easier and faster way to travel.
The metro line will also provide direct access to key healthcare places, such as King George Medical University (KGMU). For tourists and local people interested in history, the new line will connect major tourist spots like Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Bhool Bhulaiya, Clock Tower. Rumi Darwaza. This integration aims to not only make travel better but also to help local businesses and tourism grow.
The corridor will seamlessly connect with the existing North-South Corridor (Red Line) at Charbagh Metro station. Charbagh will become a main interchange point, allowing passengers to easily switch between the two metro lines and travel across the city without trouble.
Journey to Approval
The approval process for the East-West Corridor has involved several crucial steps and approvals from various government bodies over time. The journey began with the Uttar Pradesh government, which gave its approval for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this corridor in March 2024.
Following this, the Network Planning Group (NPG) provided its necessary clearance for the project. This happened on July 9, 2024. The NPG meeting looked at different aspects such as water pipelines, power lines. sewer lines, ensuring there would be no problems for the metro construction. They also checked connectivity with other forms of transport using a special government planning tool.
The next major step was when the Public Investment Board (PIB) recommended the project. This recommendation came in May 2025. The PIB meeting was led by the Union Finance Secretary and was a key stage before the final approval. The approval from the Union Cabinet on August 12, 2025, marked the final government clearance, moving the project closer to starting construction.
“The East-West Corridor will deliver safe, sustainable. efficient mobility solutions to some of Lucknow’s busiest and most culturally significant areas. With seamless integration into the current network, this project will reshape the way the city commutes, works,” said Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC).
Benefits for Travelers and City
The addition of the East-West Corridor is expected to bring many good changes for the people of Lucknow. One of the main benefits will be a significant reduction in traffic jams, especially in the crowded areas of Old Lucknow. By offering a new, efficient public transport option, the metro aims to take many vehicles off the roads, leading to smoother traffic flow and shorter travel times for everyone.
This expansion is also predicted to have a positive impact on the city’s economy. Improved access to different parts of the city, including commercial and tourist areas, can help local businesses grow and attract more people to visit. It will make it easier for people to reach their workplaces, which can help increase daily productivity.
The metro system is also a more environmentally friendly way to travel compared to vehicles that use fossil fuels. This new line is expected to help reduce carbon pollution in the city. By giving more people access to public transport, the project aims to improve the quality of life for a wide range of people, making it easier for them to get to crucial services and places.
It is estimated that the East-West Corridor will serve an additional 200,000 passengers every day. This significant increase in daily ridership shows the expected demand and the positive effect the new line will have on daily travel for residents and visitors.
Looking Ahead
With the Union Cabinet’s approval now in place, the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC) is ready to move forward. The tendering process for construction work is expected to begin within the next three weeks. Officials from UPMRC have stated that much of the initial groundwork, including soil testing and land surveys, has already been completed.
This preparation means that construction can start quickly, with expectations for it to begin as early as next month, in August 2025. The UPMRC has also said that they are confident they can complete the project even ahead of the planned schedule.
Currently, the Lucknow Metro operates along a 23-kilometer North-South Corridor. With the addition of the 11. 165-kilometer East-West Corridor, the total length of the Lucknow Metro network will expand to 35 kilometers. This expansion is a significant step in making Lucknow’s public transport system more robust and far-reaching, aiming to meet the growing travel needs of its people.
| Corridor | Length (km) | Stations | Estimated Cost (INR Crore) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North-South (Existing) | 23 | 21-22 | 6,928 (for Phase 1A) | Operational since 2017 |
| East-West (New Approval) | 11. 165 | 12 (7 underground, 5 elevated) | 5,801 | Approved, tendering soon |
| Total Metro Network (after East-West completion) | 35 | Not specified for total | Not specified for total | Expected in 5 years |
