UPMRC Advances Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor with New Depot Tender
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has taken a significant step forward in the development of Lucknow's metro network. On Thursday, the corporation floated a tender for the construction of an advanced depot at Vasantkunj, specifically for the upcoming East-West corridor of the Lucknow Metro.
Key Facility for Metro Operations
This depot, with an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore, is designed to be a crucial hub for train maintenance, inspection, and stabling. Modeled after the existing Transport Nagar depot, it will incorporate state-of-the-art, technology-driven features to ensure safe and efficient metro operations.
The facility will house several advanced systems, including:
- Pit wheel lathe machines for precise wheel profile maintenance
- Fully automatic synchronized pit and mobile jack machines for lifting operations
- Bogie turn tables for efficient train handling
- Automatic train washing plants for cleanliness and hygiene
- Electric bogie shunters for smooth movement within the depot
- Re-railing and rescue vehicles for emergency situations
These integrated systems will work together to maintain the reliability and operational fitness of trains running on the East-West Corridor.
Emphasis on Environmental Sustainability
Environmental considerations are central to the depot's design philosophy. Following the example set by the North-South corridor depot, this new facility will feature:
- Solar power generation units to harness renewable energy
- Zero-discharge technology to minimize environmental impact
- Dual-plumbing systems for efficient water management
- A sewage treatment plant (STP) for wastewater processing
- An effluent treatment plant (ETP) for industrial waste treatment
- A combined STP-ETP unit to optimize land and energy usage
A comprehensive water storage system will also be implemented to support daily operations and meet emergency requirements, ensuring the depot functions efficiently under all circumstances.
Project Progress and Implementation Timeline
UPMRC Managing Director Sushil Kumar highlighted that the floating of this second major tender, along with the acceleration of pre-construction works, demonstrates steady progress toward implementing the corridor. This development follows the recent invitation of bids for the elevated stretch between Vasantkunj and Thakurganj.
The 12-kilometer East-West Corridor will span from Charbagh to Vasantkunj, featuring:
- Seven underground stations between Charbagh and Chowk
- Five elevated stations from Thakurganj to Vasantkunj
With an estimated total project cost of Rs 5,801.05 crore, the corridor is expected to be completed within five years of construction commencement, marking a significant infrastructure milestone for Lucknow's urban transportation network.
