LUCKNOW, Feb. 12 -- In a funding boost, the Lucknow Metro's Phase 1B has received a total allocation of Rs.550 crore, combining a Rs.150-crore grant from the urban development capital budget and a Rs.400-crore loan.

Officials said these budgetary provisions are set to accelerate the expansion of the city's metro network. The Rs.150-crore grant would directly support project execution, while the Rs.400-crore loan would cover additional development costs, they said, adding that construction on the Charbagh-Vasant Kunj corridor could begin within the next three months, with tenders for the project already finalised.

Jointly funded by the centre and the state government, Phase 1B, spanning 11.16 km, is estimated to cost Rs.5,801 crore, with...