A file photo of Metro test run over the Gomti in the city

LUCKNOW: The stations to be constructed on the east-west corridor of Lucknow Metro would be smaller in size as compared to the stations of the north-south corridor. Also, the elevated tracks would be built on single pillars using lightweight technique.

This would be done to lower the cost of the project by over 15% as recommended by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in the revised detailed project report (DPR) for the 12km east-west corridor which will run from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj in Old City.

Metroman and principal advisor to Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC), E Sreedharan, told reporters here on Tuesday that DMRC, which was given the task of preparing DPR, had initially pegged the cost of east-west corridor at Rs 5,396 crore.

But, he added, that the central government directed DMRC to curtail the cost by 10%.

Subsequently, in the revised DPR submitted to the state government recently, DMRC has projected a revised cost of Rs 4,538, which is 15.9% lesser (Rs 858 crore) than the earlier cost. DMRC has recommended that the cost can be reduced by using less land and lightweight technology in the construction.

LMRC officials said the requirement of land would be reduced by constructing smaller stations on the route. Besides, they added, using lightweight technology, elevated structure will be constructed on single pillar and comparatively lighter viaduct (on which tracks are laid). The 23km north-south corridor has 21 stations: eight operational and remaining 13 ready.

The 12km east-west corridor will have 12 stations: Charbagh, GB Marg, Aminabad, Pandeyganj, City Station, KGMU, Nawazganj, Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarazganj, Musabagh and Vasant Kunj.

