UP plans metro rail projects in 6 cities

In Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Meerut, Bareilly, Jhansi, and Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government plans to expand and build Metro rail projects. The first phase of the project had already been approved by the state cabinet and the Public Investment Board (PIB) chaired by the secretary finance and expenditure in New Delhi, and the CM of Uttar Pradesh issued directives to start the Gorakhpur project within the next six months.

In the first phase of the 2,670 crore project, 14 elevated stations along a 15.14-kilometer stretch will serve Gorakhnath Mandir, Gorakhpur railway station, Gorakhpur University, and the newly opened AIIMS. Construction on the Metro project, which has been funded by the European Investment Bank, is currently underway in Agra and Kanpur (EIB).

The European Investment Bank has expressed interest in funding the Gorakhpur Metro Lite project. Varanasi, Prayagraj, Jhansi, and Meerut’s DPRs are nearing completion. The CM has also directed officials to prepare a DPR for the Bareilly Metro Neo project. At the federal level, the Gorakhpur Metro Lite project is awaiting Cabinet approval. The state government is keen to provide eco-friendly and viable commuting options for the state’s 24 percent urban population, which contributes 65 percent to the state’s GDP.