East–West Metro construction to start in Feb; major works planned in Lucknow's high-density areas

Lucknow’s East-West Metro Corridor is set for a major construction push next year in February, aiming to reshape transit in the historic, space-starved quarters of Old Lucknow. Approved in August 2025, the 11.2-km line from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj will navigate famously narrow streets, squeezing past homes, markets, and chronic traffic bottlenecks.

As per UPMRC officials, the phased construction is set to kick off in February 2026. Confirming the progress, a UPMRC official, Mr. Panchanan, informed Knocksense, "First phase of the tenders are floated right now, and we are proceeding with the formalities accordingly. The next update will be quick soon once the tenders are finalised."

Engineers are deploying digital mapping to pinpoint viable spaces for station entries, some as modest as 365 square meters, carefully preserving shopfronts and footpaths that residents depend on daily. Small, strategically acquired parcels will serve as passenger access points, while larger plots accommodate the depot and a temporary casting yard.

The constrained landscape has shaped every design choice, compact stations, three-coach trains, and routes threaded around existing buildings. Four Tunnel Boring Machines will excavate underground sections while precast elevated segments speed assembly and reduce on-site disturbance.