Lucknow To Get New Metro Feeder Buses On Charbagh–Basantkunj Route, Service Planned After Metro Launch

After earlier attempts during the IPL 2025 opening match, plans are once again underway to operate city buses as feeder services for the metro, this time on the Charbagh–Basantkunj route. The initiative is aimed at improving last-mile connectivity for metro passengers and increasing ridership.

In April 2025, city buses were deployed to ferry spectators from Ekana Stadium to Munshi Pulia and Transport Nagar Metro Station during the IPL’s inaugural match. The buses, operating on Shaheed Path, were meant to function as metro feeders but became stuck in heavy traffic alongside other vehicles and spectators. The service was discontinued for subsequent matches.

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Currently, city buses continue to ply on certain stretches of metro routes, despite clear instructions to avoid running parallel to the metro. Officials have argued that in some cases, the buses are compelled to follow overlapping routes for operational needs, such as between Hazratganj and Charbagh.

Following the planned launch of metro operations between Charbagh and Basantkunj, the City Transport Department has also begun preparations. At present, only two buses run from Ghantaghar to Basantkunj, but Managing Director of City Transport, R.K. Tripathi, said these routes will be revised once the metro service starts. Due to a shortage of buses, the feeder plan will be implemented in full only after the fleet is expanded.

Earlier, a proposal was made to change bus routes, but the withdrawal of 15 CNG buses from service by October–November put the plan on hold. New buses are awaited before further expansion.

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The feeder bus initiative was originally devised to tackle the metro’s biggest challenge—lack of last-mile connectivity. Initial plans included running buses from Munshi Pulia, Indira Nagar, and Badshah Nagar metro stations. E-rickshaws were earlier introduced as feeders but faced criticism for their slow speed and lack of air-conditioning. These e-rickshaws continue to operate on metro routes.