The Uttar Pradesh government has plans to expand and build Metro rail projects in Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Meerut, Bareilly, Jhansi and Prayagraj. The state cabinet and the Public Investment Board (PIB) chaired by the secretary finance and expenditure in New Delhi had already approved the first phase of the project and the CM in UP issued directives to kick-start the Gorakhpur project in the next six months. The ₹2,670 crore project will have 14 elevated stations on a 15.14 km stretch in the first phase, which covers Gorakhnath Mandir, Gorakhpur railway station, Gorakhpur University, and the newly commissioned AIIMS. Currently, construction work for the Metro project is in full swing in Agra as well as in Kanpur, which has been funded by European Investment Bank (EIB). The EIB has also shown interest in funding the Gorakhpur Metro Lite project. The DPRs for Varanasi, Prayagraj, Jhansi, and Meerut are in their final stages. The CM has also directed officials to prepare a DPR for a Metro Neo project in Bareilly. The Gorakhpur Metro Lite project is waiting for Cabinet approval at the Central level. The 24% urban population of UP contributes 65% to the state’s GDP and the state government is keen to provide eco-friendly and viable commuting options.
