LUCKNOW, Feb. 2 -- Lucknow Metro's second phase has received a major push with the Union Budget 2026-27 allocating Rs.1,450 crore for the project, setting the stage for construction to begin in the coming months. Officials expect work on the Charbagh-Basant Kunj corridor to commence within three months, with tenders already finalised. The Phase II (Phase-1B) corridor will cover 11.16 km from Charbagh to Basant Kunj at an estimated cost of Rs.5,801 crore. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the project on August 12, 2025. The corridor will feature 12 stations, seven underground and five elevated. The project will be jointly funded by the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, with the remaining amount raised through bank loans. Of the total cost, Rs.2,900 crore will come from loans, while Rs.2,901 crore will be shared equally by Centre and the state. The Centre's contribution of Rs.1,450 crore. Sources said both governments will facilitate loan arrangements for the project. The corridor aims to improve connectivity in the old city and western parts of Lucknow, with a targeted completion timeline of five years. Metro officials confirmed that ground and geotechnical surveys have been completed, and efforts are underway to attract foreign investment. The exact locations of key underground stations at Charbagh, Medical College, and Chowk may be positioned up to 500 metres ahead of or behind major intersections to address technical and traffic considerations. Construction will be executed in three phases: development of a 40-acre depot at Basant Kunj, followed by elevated sections, and finally underground stretches. Proposed stations Charbagh (underground), Gautam Buddha Marg (underground), Aminabad (underground), Pandeyganj (underground), City Railway Station (underground), Medical Chauraha (underground), Chowk (underground), Thakurganj (elevated), Balaganj (elevated), Sarfarazganj (elevated), Musabagh (elevated), and Basant Kunj (elevated)....