LUCKNOW, Jan. 5 -- The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has floated a Rs.492.22-crore tender for the construction of a 4.6-km elevated East-West Metro Corridor along with five new metro stations under phase-1B of the Lucknow Metro project. According to the tender document, the project involves the design and construction of an elevated viaduct between Thakurganj and Vasant Kunj metro stations, including a 740-metre ramp to connect the main line with the depot entry and exit. The scope of work also covers the construction of five elevated stations-Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarazganj, Musa Bagh and Vasant Kunj. The project will be executed on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis and includes civil works, architectural finishes, pre-engineered building structures, water supply, sanitation, drainage, external development, fire-fighting systems and electrical and mechanical works. "Once construction begins, the work is expected to be completed within 30 months. The tender submission process will begin on January 23 at 11 am and close on February 2 at 3 pm. The bids will be opened on February 3," said UPMRC MD Sushil Kumar. Officials said the new corridor is expected to improve connectivity in western and south-western parts of the city, easing traffic congestion and providing faster, reliable public transport options for commuters. The Union Cabinet approved the long-awaited corridor of the Lucknow Metro in August 2025, giving a major boost to the city's public transport network. Part of Phase 1B of the metro expansion, the 11.2-km corridor will connect Charbagh with Vasant Kunj, linking Old Lucknow's heritage areas with emerging residential hubs. The route includes seven underground and five elevated stations, passing through key localities such as Aminabad, Chowk, Thakurganj and Balaganj. The new line will integrate with the existing North-South Corridor at Charbagh. Once completed, Lucknow's metro network will expand to 35 km. With the corridor slicing through crowded commercial and residential zones, traffic planning during construction is a top priority. The UPMRC has meticulously conducted surveys and simulations to draft a detailed traffic diversion and management plan to minimise public inconvenience during the five-year construction phase. Officials emphasised that the goal is to ensure minimal disruption to daily commuters, local businesses and emergency services, while also maintaining a strict construction timeline....