In a significant move towards promoting green public transport, the Uttar Pradesh government has given the green light to the Charbagh-Vasant Kunj second metro corridor project in Lucknow. This ambitious project, with an estimated cost of Rs 5,801 crore, aims to enhance urban mobility with a modern and efficient metro network.
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the construction of the 11.165 km-long Charbagh-Vasant Kunj second metro corridor project, with plans set to commence commercial operations on June 30, 2027. The corridor will feature 12 stations, seven of which will be underground and five elevated, as announced by state finance minister Suresh Kumar Khanna following the cabinet’s nod for the project.
The detailed project report is now slated to be sent to the Centre for further approvals.
Spanning from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, the metro line will traverse beneath the earth’s surface, serving key locations including Gautam Budh Marg, Aminabad, Pandeyganj, City Railway Station, Medical Chauraha, and Nawazganj.
An official highlighted the rising demand for metro services in Lucknow, with over 8.70 crore commuters utilizing the existing metro corridor since its inception in 2017. The government’s focus on promoting a green public transport system to mitigate carbon emissions underscores the significance of this project.
The Charbagh-Vasant Kunj corridor will operate on the 750 DC traction system, offering efficiency and reduced maintenance costs compared to overhead electrification systems. The financing model for the project includes 60% funding from financial institutions and a 40% split between the state and central governments on a 20:20 ratio.
Nitin Ramesh Gokarn, additional chief secretary of the housing and urban planning department, expressed confidence in the project’s approval from the Centre, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize public transport in Lucknow. He affirmed the commitment to completing the project within 40 months, employing tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for expedited construction.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the first corridor of Lucknow metro has witnessed a notable 35% increase in passenger ridership. With a robust operational model generating positive cash flow, the metro system is poised for further expansion and service enhancement.
The approval of the Charbagh-Vasant Kunj corridor underscores the state government’s commitment to modernizing urban transportation infrastructure and fostering sustainable development in Uttar Pradesh.
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