Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the signing of the necessary paperwork (MoU) for the construction of a new metro line (East-West Corridor) in Lucknow. This work, which had been stalled for a long time, has now been given the green light. The construction of this new metro line will provide relief from traffic jams and save time for Lucknow’s daily commuters.
The approved MoU will be signed between the Government of India, Uttar Pradesh Government and Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), formally enabling financial and operational coordination for the upcoming corridor. Officials said the decision removes one of the final procedural hurdles before implementation work begins.
The new corridor, officially referred to as Lucknow Metro Phase-1B, will connect Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, covering an estimated distance of 11.16 kilometres through some of the city’s busiest residential and commercial zones. The route will have 12 stations, built both underground and above ground, to help trains move smoothly through crowded areas.
According to officials familiar with the project, around 4.2 km of the corridor will be elevated, while the remaining stretch will run underground to minimise disruption in crowded localities and improve traffic flow on major roads. The project has been estimated at nearly ₹5,800 crore, with funding expected under a joint equity-sharing structure between the Centre and the state government.
The East-West Corridor is expected to become a critical transport spine for Lucknow, connecting older parts of the city with rapidly expanding suburban regions. Urban development experts believe the project could substantially reduce travel time for office-goers, students and business commuters who currently depend heavily on road transport.
The metro expansion is also being viewed as a long-term response to Lucknow’s growing traffic congestion. Over the last decade, the city has experienced rapid urban growth, increased vehicle ownership and pressure on existing public transport systems. Officials say the new corridor will help create a more balanced and sustainable mobility network while encouraging greater use of public transit.
The project had previously received approval for its Detailed Project Report (DPR), while the latest Cabinet decision specifically authorises the signing and execution of the inter-government agreement required for moving the project into the implementation phase.
The construction of this metro corridor will create a significant number of new jobs and boost business along the metro route. Experts believe this will lead to rapid development near metro stations, especially in western Lucknow, where the city is already experiencing rapid expansion.
The Lucknow Metro currently operates only on the North-South route, and ridership is steadily increasing. Experts believe that once the East-West route is added, it will become the main backbone of the city’s public transport system. This will make traveling around the city easier, greener, and safer.
