Metro east-west corridor gets Rs550 crore allocation

Lucknow Metro rail project's phase 1B, which covers the east-west corridor has been allocated Rs 550 crore in the UP Budget 2026–27 on Wednesday. The budgetary provision includes Rs 150 crore as partial capital investment, listed under capital outlay (money spent) on urban development.
An additional Rs 100 crore has been allocated as loan support for payment of central taxes, while Rs 150 crore is designated for the payment of state taxes — both categorized under loans for urban development. Another Rs 150 crore has been earmarked as subordinate debt to facilitate land acquisition for the project. An official from UPMRC told TOI that the allocations are structured under specific accounting heads to ensure focused financial planning. This marks a significant financial commitment by the state govt to improve urban mobility.Two tenders have already been floated: one for a five km elevated corridor—currently under state review and expected to be awarded shortly—and another worth Rs 150 crore for the construction of a metro depot. A third tender, for a seven km underground tunnel, is expected to be released within the year. The total estimated cost of Phase 1B is Rs 5,800 crore, with Rs 2,900 crore to be raised through loans from investment banks. The remaining Rs 2,900 crore will be jointly funded by the central and state govts in a 50:50 ratio. Of the state's share of Rs 1,450 crore, Rs 150 crore has been allocated for construction work this financial year. The phase 1B corridor will span 11.16 km, connecting Charbagh Railway Station to Vasant Kunj through 12 stations. The route will include a 4.28 km elevated section with five stations and a 6.87 km underground section with seven stations, passing through key areas of Old Lucknow.