Lucknow Metro’s ambitious East–West Corridor has moved a step closer to implementation with the floating of its second major tender, this time for the construction of a modern metro depot at Vasant Kunj, estimated to cost approximately ₹150 crore.
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has expedited pre-construction activities following the recent UP Budget announcement, signaling steady progress toward execution.
UPMRC Managing Director Shri Sushil Kumar stated:
“With the floating of the second major tender and acceleration of pre-construction works, Lucknow Metro’s East-West Corridor is moving steadily towards implementation, reinforcing the city’s journey towards a stronger and more resilient public transport system.”
Modern Technology-Driven Depot at Vasant Kunj
The upcoming East–West Corridor Depot at Vasant Kunj will serve as a critical hub for:
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Maintenance
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Inspection
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Stabling of metro trains
The facility will be developed on the same proven framework as Lucknow Metro’s existing Transport Nagar Depot, which currently supports operations on the North–South Corridor.
Designed as a modern, technology-driven maintenance facility, the depot will ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations of trains running on the East–West Corridor.
Advanced Maintenance Systems Planned
The depot will house comprehensive maintenance systems similar to those operational at Transport Nagar.
Key Equipment and Systems:
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Pit Wheel Lathe Machine
Used for maintaining wheel profiles of metro coaches to counter wear and tear caused by frequent halts and continuous operations. -
Fully Automatic Synchronized Pit Jack Machines
For lifting and lowering coaches during scheduled maintenance. -
Fully Automatic Synchronized Mobile Jack Machines
Offering flexibility in lifting operations. -
Bogie Turn Tables
For shifting bogies between tracks. -
Automatic Train Washing Plants
For mechanised and efficient exterior cleaning. -
Electric Bogie Shunters
For controlled train movement within depot premises. -
Re-railing and Rescue Vehicles
For quick restoration of coaches in case of technical faults on main lines or within the depot.
Together, these systems will ensure operational reliability and safety standards consistent with modern metro practices.
Sustainability at the Core
Environmental sustainability remains a key focus area for UPMRC.
The new depot will incorporate eco-friendly systems similar to those at the Transport Nagar Depot.
Green Features Include:
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Solar Power Generation Units
(Lucknow Metro currently generates 3.122 MW of solar power.) -
Zero Discharge Facility
Ensuring no wastewater is released outside depot premises. -
Dual Plumbing System
Separate pipelines for fresh and recycled water. -
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
For treatment of grey water from washrooms, kitchens, and cleaning. -
Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)
For wastewater from train washing and maintenance. -
Integrated STP & ETP Unit
To optimise land use and energy consumption. -
Comprehensive Water Storage System
Including raw water tanks, domestic water tanks, and dedicated fire water tanks.
About the East–West Corridor
The 12-km-long East–West Corridor is planned from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, comprising:
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7 Underground Stations (Charbagh to Chowk)
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5 Elevated Stations (Thakurganj to Vasant Kunj)
Project Details:
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Estimated Cost: ₹5,801.05 crore
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Completion Timeline: 5 years from commencement of construction
The corridor is expected to enhance cross-city connectivity in Lucknow and complement the operational North–South Metro line.
Strengthening Urban Mobility in Lucknow
With tenders now floated for both the elevated section (Vasant Kunj to Thakurganj) and the advanced depot facility, UPMRC is steadily progressing toward full-scale construction.
The East–West Corridor is poised to:
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Reduce congestion in key city areas
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Improve east-west connectivity
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Strengthen multimodal urban transport
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Support sustainable and technology-driven operations
Lucknow Metro’s expansion marks another step in Uttar Pradesh’s broader push toward resilient and future-ready public transport infrastructure.
