East-west corridor DPR ready, Metro ops may start in 2023

LUCKNOW: The detailed project report (DPR) for Lucknow Metro’s 12.8-km east-west corridor from Charbagh to Vasantkunj is ready. It would be sent to the state government, and then to the central government for final approval, said LMRC officials.

The route will cover densely populated areas like Naka Hindola, Aminabad, Chowk, Thakurganj, Balaganj, Musabagh and Vasant Kunj. The plans for shifting utility services and traffic management have been prepared. Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) MD Kumar Keshav said the LMRC plans to start Metro operations on this route in 2023, but if the state and centre take longer time than expected to clear the project, it could be delayed beyond 2023.

“The east-west corridor project is more challenging than the north-south corridor because the route will pass through more busy and narrow places. So, the digging for seven underground stations would be challenging. But, LMRC has a

plan ready for that. We have identified all the problem areas and have prepared a list of solutions,” said Keshav.

The physical verification of the project had been completed in December and the blueprint was almost ready, but it was held up due to some last-minute changes. The earlier DPR, prepared by the DMRC, had to be updated as the situation at the time when the first report was prepared had changed considerably, said officials.

Meanwhile, the work on North-South corridor is on in full swing. LMRC MD Kumar Keshav said he was confident on the completion of Charbagh to Munshipulia corridor before March 2019.