CM reviews progress of Metro projects, stresses timely completion and revenue generation

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday reviewed the progress of Metro rail projects in the state, pushing for the timely completion of works with prescribed quality standards.The CM stressed the need for efficiency and transparency and asked Metro rail corporations and departments concerned to hold regular coordination meetings. He also emphasised improving the financial viability of Metro projects by developing additional revenue streams. Officials were asked to promote commercial activities at Metro stations and depots, including retail outlets, food courts, parking facilities and office spaces, and to maximise non-fare revenue through advertising, branding and better utilisation of Metro-owned land and assets.The CM said that multimodal connectivity and last-mile connectivity should be strengthened to ensure seamless travel for commuters. Integration of Metro services with city buses, e-rickshaws, taxis and app-based transport services, along with development of feeder routes and parking facilities, was highlighted.Officials said that Lucknow Metro's 23-km corridor is fully operational, and the proposed Charbagh–Vasant Kunj extension of about 11.16 km is targeted for completion by 2030. In Kanpur, about 15 km of the 32.4-km Metro network has been commissioned, while the remaining sections are likely to be completed by Mar 2027.For Agra Metro, operations are underway on a priority stretch of around 6.5 km of the 29.4-km project. While Corridor-1 is scheduled for completion by June 2026, Corridor-2 is expected to be finished by next year.Officials said Metro ridership has been steadily increasing in Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra, easing road congestion. Non-fare revenue from advertising and commercial activities stood at about Rs 222 crore in 2024–25.