Lucknow Metro fares would be comparable with those of Delhi Metro, said the Metro Man

LUCKNOW: The public launch of Lucknow Metro on the priority section between Transportnagar and Charbagh is expected by the end of July, announced Metro Man E Sreedharan in Lucknow on Thursday.

He said the fares of Lucknow Metro have been decided for the route and are lower than those of the recently launched Kochi Metro train service. Fares would be comparable with those of Delhi Metro , he said.

Sreedharan is the principal advisor of Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) and was in city to inspect the project and meet chief minister Aditya Nath Yogi .

“We normally give one month’s notice to the commissioner of Metro railway safety (CMRS) to inspect a Metro project before giving a safety clearance. We have sent the request and expect him to come any time before July 15. We hope Lucknow Metro to be ready for public launch in the third or fourth week of July,” Sreedharan said.

After the nod from CMRS, LMRC has to seek the state government’s consent to decide on the date of launch. The state government will consult the Centre before deciding on the date.

LMRC’s board has already finalised fares on a par with Delhi Metro. In Kochi, the Metro fare is Rs 10 for the initial 3-4km ride. In Delhi, it is between Rs 8 and Rs 10. Lucknow Metro’s fares will be on the same lines.

Initially, four train sets will ply on the 8.5km priority section after the launch. There will be a gap of 6-7 minutes between two trains. Lucknow Metro has received technical clearance from the Railway Board and is awaiting approval of the CMRS, who would inspect safety features, station design, passenger facilities and communication system, among other services, to give a go-ahead to the train.

