Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, boasts a functional metro network since 2017 when the Phase 1 corridor was started. The Phase 2 of the Lucknow Metro is in the planning stage. There are plans to improve Lucknow’s Metro connectivity with additional proposed lines. In March 2024, the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath granted clearance for the Lucknow Metro extension project – the East-West Corridor.
On January 11, 2024, the Uttar Pradesh government gave approval for Phase-2 of the Lucknow Metro, also known as the East-West corridor. The Char Bagh Station that connects the city’s main railway station through the metro link will act as the junction station for the existing north-south corridor and the upcoming east-west corridor of the Lucknow Metro. Providing connectivity to some of the most densely populated areas in the old city, Phase-2 will boost connectivity and real estate prices.
The second phase of Lucknow Metro Phase 1, connecting Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, is nearing final approval of the Public Investment Board (PIB) and the Union Cabinet. The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has conducted feasibility studies for two metro routes, a 16.47-km section from Ekana stadium to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport and a 9.246-km corridor from Sachivalaya to CG City South. Further, the UPMRC has plans to add six additional routes on the Lucknow Metro network aimed to significantly boost connectivity in the city. Apart from providing the citizens with a great source of connectivity, the Lucknow Metro has also made a positive impact on the real estate of the city.
Lucknow Metro: Key facts
| Operator | Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRCL) |
| SPV | Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) |
| Estimated cost | Rs 6,928 crore |
| Start of work | September 2014 |
| Inauguration | March 2017 |
| Operational network | 23 km |
| Operational stations | 21 |
| Travel time | Approximately 40 minutes |
Lucknow Metro route map
Lucknow Metro Phase 1A operational line
Source: themetrorailguy
Lucknow Metro proposed lines
Source: themetrorailguy
Click here to view the map online.
See also: Kanpur Metro: Route, map, stations, news, project status and tenders
Lucknow Metro Operational Line (Phase 1A)
Line 1: Red Line stations (North-South Corridor)
| Stations | Layout | Interchange |
| CCS Airport | Elevated | |
| Amausi | Elevated | |
| Transport Nagar | Elevated | |
| Krishna Nagar | Elevated | |
| Singar Nagar | Elevated | |
| Alambagh | Elevated | |
| Alambagh Bus Station | Elevated | |
| Mawaiya | Elevated | |
| Durgapuri | Elevated | |
| Charbagh | Elevated | Red Line |
| Hussein Ganj | Underground | |
| Sachvalaya | Underground | |
| Hazrat Ganj | Underground | |
| KD Singh Stadium | Elevated | |
| Vishwavidyalay | Elevated | |
| IT Chauraha | Elevated | |
| Badhshah Nagar | Elevated | |
| Lekhraj Market | Elevated | |
| Bhootnath Market | Elevated | |
| Indira Nagar | Elevated | |
| Munshipulia | Elevated |
Length: 22.878 km
Layout: Elevated (19.44 km, 19 stations) and underground (4 km, 4 stations)
Number of stations: 23
Line 2: Red Line stations – North-South corridor
Spanning a total length of 22.8 km, the Lucknow Metro Red Line became operational in September 2017 and connects the northern and southern part of the city.
Lucknow Metro proposed network
Line 2: Blue Line stations – East-west corridor)
| Stations | Layout | Interchange |
| Gautam Buddha Marg | Elevated | |
| Aminabad | Elevated | |
| Pandeyganj | Elevated | |
| City Railway Station | Elevated | |
| Medical College Chauraha | Elevated | |
| Nawazganj | Elevated | |
| Thakurganj | Underground | |
| Balaganj | Underground | |
| Sarfrazganj | Underground | |
| Musabagh | Underground | |
| Vasant Kunj | Underground |
Route: Lucknow Railway Station (Charbagh) – Vasant Kunj
Length: 11.098 km
Layout: Elevated (4.548 km with 5 stations from GB Marg – Thakurganj) and underground (6.55 km with 7 stations from Thakurganj – Vasant Kunj)
Number of stations: 12
Lucknow Metro Phase 2 (Proposed metro corridors)
Line 1: Munshipulia – Jankipuram
Route details: This extension of the Lucknow metro network will connect Munshipulia in the north, which is part of the Red line, with Jankipuram, which is further towards north. The total length of this metro section will be 6.4 km.
Line 2: Charbagh – SGPGI (Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences)
Route details: This metro line is an extension of the East-West corridor or the Blue line and will connect, covering a length of 8.8 km.
Line 3: IIM Lucknow – Rajajipuram
Route details: This metro line will connect IIM Lucknow withss Rajajipuram, spanning a total length of around 1.7 km.
Lucknow Metro Phase 3 (Proposed metro corridors)
Corridor 1: Indiranagar – CG City South
Corridor 2: Airport – Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
Corridor 3: Secretariat – CG City South
Route details: This metro line will comprise three sections. The feasibility study for corridors 1 and 2 of the three corridors developed under Line 4 of Phase 1B has been completed.
The corridors connecting Indiranagar to CG City South will cover a length of 9.2 km while the corridor from Airport to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium will have a length of 16.4 km.
(Source: Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation)
See also: Lucknow Kanpur Expressway: Status, route map and details
Lucknow Metro Blue Line Stations (East-West corridor)
| Stations | Layout | Interchange |
| Charbagh | Underground | |
| Gautam Budh Nagar | Underground | |
| Aminabad | Underground | |
| Pandeyganj | Underground | |
| City Railway Station | Underground | |
| Medical Chauraha | Underground | |
| Nawazganj | Underground | |
| Thakurganj | Elevated | |
| Balaganj | Elevated | |
| Sarfarazganj | Elevated | |
| Musabagh | Elevated | |
| Vasant Kunj | Elevated |
Lucknow Metro interchange stations
The Lucknow Metro includes two interchange stations at:
- Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport: This metro station is part of the North-South corridor or Red Line and will link the Airport-Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium line, providing connectivity to other areas of Lucknow.
- Alambagh Bus Stand: This is an elevated metro station on the Lucknow Metro Red Line, located 1.1 km from Alambagh Bus Stand.
Lucknow Metro extension
With the aim to boost metro connectivity in Lucknow, the UPMRC has announced its plans to introduced six additional metro corridor this year, according to a Hindustan Times report. This will include a 6.45-km section from Munshipulia to Jankipuram, a 17.16-km stretch from IIM to Rajajipuram, an 8.855-km section from Charbagh to SGPGI and a 3.480-km line from Indira Nagar to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium.
Lucknow Metro route map
Source: themetrorailguy.com
Lucknow Metro project timeline
- September 2008: DMRC submitted a concept paper after the UP govt proposed the Lucknow Metro project
- February 2009: DMRC signs agreement with the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA)
- June 2013: State cabinet approved the metro rail network and creation of Metro Rail Corporation in Lucknow.
- August 2013: The government approved the revised DPR submitted by DMRC.
- October 2013: MRC, a special purpose vehicle, was formed to build and operate the metro.
- November 2013: The construction phase of the metro begins.
- March 2014: The central govt gave in-principle approval to the Lucknow Metro project, allocating Rs 100 crore in the union budget.
- July 2014: Foundation stone for Lucknow Metro Project was laid.
- September 2017: Work on the Lucknow Metro Red Line commences. Services between Transport Nagar and Lucknow Charbagh was inaugurated.
- March 2019: PM Modi inaugurates the Red Line.
- August 2019: DPR for Lucknow Metro Blue Line is sent for approval.
- January 2024: The second phase of the Lucknow Metro, east-west corridor project, received approval from the Uttar Pradesh government.
Lucknow Metro timing
- The first metro on the Lucknow metro route starts at 6 AM and the last metro runs at 10:30 PM, as per the revised schedule announced on July 15, 2024.
- It takes around 40 minutes to complete the distance between Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport to Munshipulia.
- The headway during peak hours is 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
Lucknow Metro fare
| Number of stations travelled | Fare |
| 1 | Rs 10 |
| 2 | Rs 15 |
| 3-6 | Rs 20 |
| 7-9 | Rs 30 |
| 10-13 | Rs 40 |
| 14-17 | Rs 50 |
| 18 and more | Rs 60 |
Smart card users can avail of a 10% discount on ticket prices.
Lucknow Metro Super Saver Card – GoSmart card
The Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation in May 2023 introduced the Super Saver Card to offer convenience and cost benefits to its daily commuters. Passengers have to pay Rs 1,400 to get the Lucknow Metro Super Saver Card for unlimited metro rides for 30 days. Another Rs 100 must be paid as a security deposit. This amount is refundable on the return of the card.
The GoSmart card is designed for frequent travellers and offers discounts on the metro fare. Commuters can top up the card at the ticket counter at any station, TVM, RCTM or online. They can recharge the card using UPI or the LMRC’s official website. They can also check the remaining balance on the GoSmart card at any metro station’s customer service centre.
Tourist card
The Tourist Card is designed for tourists and is available for unlimited travel for one day and unlimited travel for two days. Commuters have to pay a refundable deposit of Rs 100 when purchasing the card. The amount will be refunded when the card is returned.
Lucknow Metro automatic token collecting machine
Commuters can buy tokens and recharge their ‘GoSmart’ trip cards at all the metro stations using the recharge card terminal machine (RCTM) and Token Vending Machine (TVM) facilities. Employees and Customer Relation Assistants (CRA) are present at every metro station to assist passengers to get tokens and recharge ‘GoSmart’ devices at RCTM/TVM.
Lucknow Metro (LMRC) mobile app
The LMRC launched the Lucknow metro mobile application on September 4, 2018, which is an online facility for commuters to get access to all metro-related details. Some of the features available on the LMRC app are:
- Route map: The LMRC mobile app allows commuters to find the Lucknow metro route map between their arrival and destination stations, including travel time and fare details.
- Locate metro stations: The mobile app also allows commuters to locate the nearest metro station and navigate the route.
- Metro card recharge: The app enables commuters to recharge their Go Smart Lucknow Metro cards with just a few clicks using their preferred payment mode.
- Information on facilities: The app provides users will information on the metro facilities, enabling them travel safely without any hassles.
- Customer support: The mobile app provides the facility for users to connect with the metro customer care and get assistance promptly.
See also: Lucknow pin code
Lucknow Metro facilities
The Lucknow Metro project is being developed with the latest technology and advanced facilities, including:
- Parking space for vehicles at the metro stations
- There are hi-tech metro coaches and stations displaying the Lucknow’s art and culture
- Lifts, escalators, automatic fare collection (AFC), ticket-vending machines, etc., are available at the metro stations
- Facilities for the elderly and differently abled are available, which include:
- Wheelchair
- Braille signages
- Ramps with proper signages
- Designated spaces and berths for the differently abled
- Low-height counters and drinking water coolers
- Round-the-clock helpline is available to provide assistance for passengers.
Lucknow Metro ridership
Due to the affordable metro fare and convenient travel compared to other transportation modes like auto rickshaws and buses, the Lucknow Metro has become a preferred mode of transport for the citizens. Moreover, there has been extensive awareness campaigns and other events within the metro premises, which has led to the success of this rapid transit system. In 2024, the Lucknow metro ridership surpassed 1.3 lakh ridership and it is expected to reach around 3 lakh ridership in 2025.
Lucknow Metro project cost
The Lucknow Metro Project is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 9,786 crore. The initial cost estimate for the CCS Airport-Munshipulia line (North-South) corridor was Rs 4,992 crore. The capital cost for Charbagh Railway Station – Vasantkunj metro line was Rs 3,723 crore. The project is funded through a 50:50 joint venture model, with equal contributions from the Central and state governments.
Lucknow Metro real estate impact
The Lucknow Metro project is expected to boost connectivity across the length and breath of the city, by providing an affordable and fast mode of public transportation for the commuters. It will connect prominent residential localities such as Indira Nagar, Vasant Kunj, etc. and established commercial neighbourhoods and central business districts like Hazratganj. Real estate developments along the metro corridors are growing, catering to the rising demand for properties. As work on the metro project progresses, the property prices and rental rates are expected to increase in future.
Lucknow Metro Contact information
Office address: Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., Administrative Building, Near Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sthal, Vipin Khand Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
Contact number: 0522-2304014
Email address: feedback@lmrcl
Housing.com News Viewpoint
The development of the Lucknow Metro project is picking up pace, with a steady demand for properties along the route. Hence, it is an ideal time for investors to buy a property to each attractive rentals.
It is important for buyers to keep a track of the price trends as the property prices and rental values are expected to increase as the metro corridors near completion. You can approach a local broker who can assist you by assessing the market trends. Buyers can also hire professional property valuation services to get an accurate estimate of property values.
FAQs
What is phase 3 of Lucknow Metro?
Under Lucknow Metro Phase 3, a new route will be developed connecting: Indiranagar to CG City South; Airport to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium and Secretariat to CG City South.
Who started metro project in Lucknow?
The Uttar Pradesh government formed the LMRC, a special purpose vehicle, in 2013 to build and operate the Lucknow Metro.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |