- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 17 Jul 2025 02:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
To ease traffic congestion and improve passenger convenience, the Railways is set to revamp connectivity and station infrastructure in and around Lucknow. As part of the plan, trains will soon be diverted from the overburdened Lucknow Junction (Charbagh) to nearby stations—Alamnagar, Transportnagar, and Uttaretia.
The move comes in light of increasing pressure on Lucknow station, which currently handles 240 trains daily—more than three times the number it managed in 1972, despite no new platforms being added since then. With only 7 platforms, the station often sees nearly 60 trains stranded on the outer loop due to limited capacity. The proposed shift will allow better distribution of rail traffic and reduce congestion at Charbagh.
To support this shift, the Railways has initiated the development of approach roads to these alternate stations. A wide connecting road is planned to facilitate smooth vehicular movement, especially to the second entry point of Lucknow station, currently under construction near Anand Nagar. This will help commuters avoid traffic jams near Charbagh.
Alamnagar is being developed as a satellite station with five platforms to serve passengers from Rajajipuram, Hardoi Road and surrounding areas. Transportnagar station will cater to commuters from Kanpur Road, while Uttaretia station—part of the Amrit Bharat Railway Station Project—will serve those from Sultanpur and Rae Bareli roads. Rail doubling on the bypass from Alamnagar to Uttaretia has also been completed to facilitate goods train movement, with plans to utilise the section for diverted passenger trains as well.
Currently, there are key connectivity challenges. The road from Alamnagar to Buddheshwar Overbridge is incomplete, and passengers may need to walk long distances if trains begin halting there. At Uttaretia, the road towards Awadh Shilp Gram is just 10 feet wide, potentially leading to traffic jams. Similarly, Transportnagar station lacks a proper connecting road to the main thoroughfare.
To address these issues, a joint committee—comprising officials from the Railways, Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), Public Works Department (PWD), and Municipal Corporation—has been formed. Senior Divisional Operations Manager (North Railway), Rajneesh Shrivastava, has already discussed the connectivity gaps with Divisional Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob. The committee, led by senior engineers from all involved departments, has started surveying the approach roads. A final report will be submitted to the Divisional Commissioner this week.
Passenger Benefits at a Glance:
-40 trains from Bareilly, Rae Bareli and Sultanpur routes likely to be shifted to alternate stations
-Over 20,000 passengers to benefit directly
-Operational capacity to run 20 additional trains to be created
-Reduced congestion and delays at Charbagh
-Two new platforms to be developed under the station redevelopment plan
The integration of these stations into the City Mobility Plan signals a coordinated effort to modernise urban rail infrastructure while enhancing accessibility and convenience for commuters in an expanding Lucknow city.
