Metro project: LMRC to dig up cycle tracks to lay power cables?

: In order to lay power cables for the supply of overhead wires for metro trains, the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation needs to dig up the cycle tracks from polytechnic crossing to KD Singh Babu stadium.

For the purpose, the LMRC officials have even sought permission from the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA).

These tracks were laid down by LDA during the Samajwadi Party regime in Uttar Pradesh to promote use of bicycle as ecofriendly mode of transport.

However, the LDA is finding it hard to grant permission for digging up the cycle track which was constructed with the cost of ₹30 lakh per kilometre, said sources.

The engineers of LDA are not in favour of granting permission to dig the cycle track as it would be criminal wastage of public money as these tracks have been built just one year back, said sources.

LDA secretary JS Dubey said the LDA has been approached by LMRC for seeking permission to dig up the cycle tracks and we are examining the feasibility of doing that as the tracks are still new. However, there is perfect coordination between LDA, LESA (Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration) and LMRC over the issue and we will decide soon about the route of cables, he said. At the initial stage, the LMRC hs sought permission to dig up 4 kilometre of the cycle track.

Work on the track from KD Singh Babu stadium to Munshipulia is going on at a rapid pace and is expected to be completed before December 2018.

Meanwhile, a power substation for the supply to metro section is coming up at women’s polytechnic at Faizabad road and for that the power supply has been arranged from Dewa road substation. The route for the cable has been planned through Matiari.