Lucknow Metro’s Phase 1B (Line-2) Approved by Central Government

India’s Central Government’s Cabinet on Tuesday officially approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Lucknow Metro’s Phase 1B project with an estimated total cost of Rs. 5801 crore.

Lucknow Metro’ Phase 1B involves the construction of an 11.165 km long Line-2 connecting Charbagh Railway Station and Vasant Kunj via 12 stations through Old Lucknow.

Per Phase 1B’s Detailed Project Report (DPR), Lucknow’s Line-2 will have an approximate elevated length of 4.286 km with 5 stations between Vasant Kunj – Thakurganj, and an underground length of 6.879 km with 7 stations between Charbagh – Niwazganj.

Prior to this development – Lucknow Metro’s Phase 1B was approved for construction by Uttar Pradesh’s government in January 2024, and Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) had awarded its topographical survey contract to Epitome Geotechnical Services in November 2024 and geotechnical soil investigation contract to Arun Soil Lab in January 2025.

The government’s PIB release contains some generic information which makes for good bedtime reading. Here’s a verbatim extract:

This phase aims to seamlessly integrate key zones of Old Lucknow, including:

• Commercial hubs such as Aminabad, Yahiyaganj, Pandeyganj, and Chowk
• Critical healthcare facilities, most notably the King George’s Medical University (Medical College)
• Major tourist attractions, including Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Bhool Bhulaiya, Clock Tower, and Rumi Darwaza
• Culinary destinations known for the city’s rich and historic food culture

By bridging these vital areas with the metro network, Phase-1B will not only enhance connectivity but also stimulate economic activity, tourism, and ease urban mobility for both residents and visitors.

• Reduction in Traffic Congestion: Metro Rail as an efficient alternate road transport and with Phase-1B as an extension to the Metro Rail network in the Lucknow city is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and will be particularly impactful on heavily congested routes of the Old Lucknow. Reduction in road traffic can lead to smoother movement of vehicles, reduction in travel time, increasing overall road safety etc.
• Environmental Benefits: The addition of Phase-1B Lucknow Metro Rail Project and increase in overall Metro Rail Network in Lucknow city, will significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based transport.
• Economic Growth: Reduced travel times and improved access to different parts of the city such as Airport, Railway Stations and Bus Depots can enhance productivity by allowing individuals to reach their workplaces and destinations more efficiently. Also, the enhanced connectivity can stimulate local businesses, especially in areas near new metro stations which can also attract investment and development in previously less accessible regions.
• Social Impact: The expansion of Phase-1B Metro Rail network in Lucknow will provide more equitable access to public transport, benefiting diverse socio-economic groups and reducing transport disparities which will contribute to a higher quality of life by reducing commute times and improving access to essential services.

With this development, let’s see how quickly UPMRC invites bids for construction work which I envision will not begin before Q2 2026. When operational, the city’s network will become 34 km long.

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– TMRG