LUCKNOW (Metro Rail & Steel) : The European Investment Bank (EIB) delegation concluded its three-day visit to India, culminating in an important meeting in Lucknow on 21st Octobe 2023. During their visit, the EIB team expressed their satisfaction with the progress of the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) and commended the recent efforts by Lucknow Metro to increase ridership.
The EIB delegation’s visit included stops in Agra on 19th October and the Kanpur Metro project on 20th October, where they inspected the ongoing construction work. Their observations were met with approval as they noted the swift pace at which UPMRC was advancing its projects. The delegation met with UPMRC officials at the Administrative Building in Lucknow. The discussions revolved around the construction progress in Agra and Kanpur, where international quality and safety standards are being strictly adhered to. Additionally, the delegation was impressed by the ongoing development of the nearly 23-kilometer-long North-South corridor in Lucknow, a testament to UPMRC’s dedication to providing top-tier metro services to the city.
One of the highlights of the EIB delegation’s visit was their appreciation for the awareness campaign initiated by Lucknow Metro in schools and colleges. They commended the creative initiatives, such as birthdays and kitties celebrated on Lucknow Metro trains, as well as the informative exhibitions set up at metro stations aimed at boosting ridership. Before their visit to Lucknow, the EIB delegation inspected the Agra and Kanpur Metro Rail Projects. They praised both metro teams for their time-bound execution of these crucial projects. Notably, the European Investment Bank is extending financial support of approximately 650 million euros to the Kanpur Metro Rail project, with an additional 450 million euros allocated to fund two corridors covering 29.4 kilometers within the Agra Metro Rail Project.
The total project cost of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project is Rs 11,076 crore, while that of the Agra Metro Rail Project stands at Rs 8,379.62 crore. The remaining funding is being provided by the Central and State Governments, underscoring their joint commitment to enhancing urban transportation in the region. Shri Sushil Kumar, Managing Director of UPMRC, expressed his gratitude for the continued support from the EIB. He highlighted the remarkable progress of the Metro project and the successful launch of revenue services on the 9-kilometer-long priority corridor ahead of schedule. With the EIB’s unwavering support, he expressed confidence that they will meet their deadlines for the remaining sections. The meeting in Lucknow was attended by Shri Sheel Kumar Mittal, Director (Finance), Shri C.P. Singh, Director (Works and Infrastructure), and other senior Metro officials.
