The Network Planning Group (NPG) has given its approval to the detailed project report (DPR) for the second phase of the Lucknow Metro project.
The NPG, established under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) to enhance multimodal connectivity infrastructure, consists of representatives from various ministries.
The group is tasked with evaluating the technical feasibility of all railway and highway projects across the country.
The second phase, named the East-West corridor, spans 11.165 kilometres from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj and will include 12 stations, with seven underground and five elevated.
The DPR for this corridor, initiated by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), was previously approved by the state cabinet led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in March 2024.
The progress marks a significant milestone for this metro corridor, promising to enhance public transport in the state capital, particularly benefiting the Old City area.
With an estimated cost of Rs 5,081 crore, the project received approval from the NPG during a meeting chaired by the additional secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy Promotion.
According to UPMRC official, “The NPG meeting included representatives from departments such as housing and urban affairs, defence, railways, environment and forests, and finance. Following the NPG, the next major phase is a nod from the Public Investment Board.”
The UPMRC currently operates metro services on the first, 22.88-kilometre-long North-South Corridor, which stretches from Munshi Pulia to Amausi airport and includes 22 stations.
The first corridor of the Lucknow Metro Rail was commissioned 36 days ahead of schedule, also ensuring there were no cost overruns.
The upcoming East-West corridor will connect to the existing North-South corridor at the Charbagh Metro station, serving as a key interchange station.