Lucknow News: The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has confirmed that construction of the East-West corridor of Lucknow Metro is expected to begin by February or March 2026. This new corridor represents a key expansion of Lucknow’s rapid transit network and is designed to significantly improve urban mobility in the state capital.
11.2 km Corridor Approved in August 2025
The project, spanning 11.2 kilometers, will pass through some of Lucknow’s most congested and densely populated areas. It received official approval on August 12, 2025, and is expected to be completed in a span of five years.
A UPMRC official stated,
“We are aiming for a highly efficient and meticulously planned execution. Given the complexity of underground construction in crowded areas, every detail — from traffic management to station alignment — is being carefully studied.”
Traffic Management a Top Priority
As the corridor cuts through crowded urban zones, effective traffic management during construction is a major focus. UPMRC is conducting extensive surveys and simulations to create a detailed traffic diversion and management plan. The objective is to minimise public inconvenience during the five-year construction phase.
Officials emphasized the importance of balancing construction work with the day-to-day needs of the city:
- Ensuring minimal disruption to commuters
- Supporting local businesses
- Maintaining uninterrupted emergency services
- Strict adherence to the construction timeline
Three-Coach Trains, Scalable Design
Initially, the East-West corridor will run three-coach trains, with the option to expand to five coaches in the future, based on actual ridership growth. This represents a shift from the first phase of Lucknow Metro, where four-coach trains expandable to six were used.
A senior UPMRC official explained,
“In the first phase, we followed the Delhi Metro model because we had no prior ridership data for Lucknow. This time, we’re tailoring the system to fit the city’s actual requirements.”
The decision for a leaner train system is backed by ridership forecasts and urban density analysis along the new alignment, ensuring both operational efficiency and lower costs in the long term.
Impact on Lucknow and Its People
Once completed, the East-West corridor is expected to drastically improve urban mobility in Lucknow by reducing traffic congestion and providing a reliable, efficient public transport option for daily commuters. This development will also support sustainable urban growth and improve the quality of life for residents by easing travel across the city.
The UPMRC’s strategic approach to planning and execution reflects a deep understanding of Lucknow’s unique urban challenges, making this expansion a crucial step in the city’s infrastructure modernization.
