Lucknow News Roundup | Massive budget push for key projects, weather forecast & more

With the ongoing budget session at the UP Vidhan Sabha in Lucknow, the city is abuzz with change. Traffic diversions and congestion due to VIP movement continue to impact the prominent routes. However, several key projects have been discussed, with funds allocated to kickstart initiatives for the city's development. Here’s a roundup of everything happening in Lucknow this week:

The long-standing parking dispute at Charbagh Railway Station is expected to be resolved by next week. For this a meeting is to be chaired among the senior officials and the Divisional Railway Manager next week. Alongside the parking issue, a review meeting on the station's upgrade will also be conducted.

For several weeks, passengers at Charbagh Railway Station, under the Northern Railway's Lucknow division, have been facing difficulties due to double parking charges. Those using the cabway to reach the Lucknow Junction of the North Eastern Railway have to pay an extra ₹60.

Reportedly, the upcoming meeting will address these concerns, and contractors managing the parking facilities at both Charbagh station and the cabway will be directed to find a resolution.

Lucknow experienced clear skies on Friday morning, however, overcast conditions are expected to dominate the day along with light winds. As for the expected temperature today, the minimum will touch 15°C, which is above the seasonal average. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 28°C.

According to the Meteorological Department, a rise in the minimum temperature is likely, while cold winds will persist. Light drizzle was also seen in parts of the city on Thursday, and as per the forecast there are more chances for similar conditions till Feb 25.

The UP government has allocated ₹100 crore in the budget to accelerate the survey for Lucknow Metro Phase-2. As a result, UPMRC now aims to fast track survey work and initiate new projects.

Officials anticipate swift approval of the Detailed Project Report by the Public Investment Board (PIB), paving the way for rapid construction. The DPR has already received clearance from the state government and the PIB is currently reviewing it.

The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2025-26 has announced the development of an AI (Artificial Intelligence) City in Lucknow, set to be established on 70 acres of land. This initiative aims to position the state capital among the leading IT hubs in the country.

Alongside AI City, the government is also advancing the Aerocity project, which spans 1,500 acres. Aerocity will feature world-class infrastructure, including commercial office spaces, luxury hotels, parks, a convention centre and other modern amenities, making Uttar Pradesh a prime destination for investors.

The Uttar Pradesh Budget has made special provisions to promote classical music, dance and Indian performing arts. As part of this initiative, a new campus of the renowned Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya will be developed in Kakrabad near Lucknow.

The proposed campus will include an administrative block and new faculties dedicated to folk music, fine arts, and other art forms. A student hostel is also planned. Additionally, the State Lalit Kala Akademi, Bhartendu Natya Academy and UP Sangeet Natak Akademi will be integrated into the university, with consideration given to establishing departments aligned with their disciplines.