UPMRC Awards Key Consultancy Contract for Lucknow Metro's East-West Corridor
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has taken a significant step forward in the development of the Lucknow Metro by awarding the first major construction-related consultancy contract for the ambitious East-West Corridor. The contract has been secured by the joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd, marking a crucial milestone in the project's implementation phase.
Contract Details and Selection Process
AYESA was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2, which falls under Phase 1B of the metro expansion project. The contract, valued at Rs 15.9 crore, has been officially recommended for award based on the firm's competitive financial bid. This decision follows a rigorous tendering process that began in August 2025.
UPMRC had initially invited bids for the DDC contract in August 2025, specifying a contract period of 60 months. During the technical evaluation stage, two bidders qualified: the AYESA joint venture and the SYSTRA – Ardanuy JV. Financial bids were subsequently opened on January 21 this year, leading to the selection of AYESA as the preferred consultant.
Project Overview and Scope
The Lucknow Metro's Line-2 project, also known as the East-West Corridor, envisages the construction of an 11.165-kilometer corridor that will connect Charbagh Railway Station to Vasant Kunj. This vital transit link will pass through the historic areas of Old Lucknow, serving a total of 12 stations along its route.
According to the detailed project report (DPR), the corridor will feature a dual configuration:
- Elevated Section: Approximately 4.286 kilometers with five stations between Vasant Kunj and Thakurganj.
- Underground Section: Approximately 6.879 kilometers with seven stations between Charbagh and Niwazganj.
The DDC contract mandates the consultant to be responsible for the detailed design of various critical components, including civil, architectural, electrical and mechanical, and traction works for both the elevated and underground sections. Additionally, the scope includes designing a depot at Vasant Kunj, which will serve as a maintenance and operational hub for the metro line.
Project Approval and Future Steps
The East-West Corridor project received formal approval from the Central government in August 2025, with an estimated total cost of Rs 5,801 crore. The award of this consultancy contract represents the first major actionable step towards the physical implementation of this significant infrastructure development.
UPMRC has indicated that more tenders are in the pipeline to ensure the project progresses smoothly. The tender for the construction of the elevated corridor of the East-West Corridor was already floated on January 1 and is expected to be awarded soon. Furthermore, tenders for depot construction and the underground section are slated to be floated in the near future, keeping the project on track for timely execution.
This development underscores UPMRC's commitment to enhancing urban mobility in Lucknow through strategic partnerships and phased implementation, setting the stage for transformative public transportation infrastructure in the city.
