LUCKNOW, July 2 -- The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) on Wednesday floated the civil construction tender worth Rs.1,877.89 crore for the underground section of the Lucknow Metro Phase-1B East-West Corridor. The tender, said to be UPMRC's largest to date, covers the construction of seven underground stations, twin tunnels and associated civil works on the proposed 11.165-km corridor between Charbagh and Vasant Kunj. The underground stretch from Charbagh to Chowk is considered the project's most technically challenging section as it passes beneath some of Lucknow's oldest and busiest commercial areas. The corridor is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the densely populated Old Lucknow region. According to UPMRC, bids will be opened on July 28. Following the selection of the successful bidder and issuance of the Letter of Acceptance, the underground works are scheduled to be completed within 36 months. The package includes stations at Charbagh, Gautam Buddha Marg, Aminabad, Pandeyganj, City railway station, Medical Chauraha and Chowk. A 350-metre ramp will also be built beyond Chowk station to connect the underground alignment with the elevated section. Officials said the tender marks a key milestone in the Rs.5,801-crore Lucknow Metro Phase-1B project, which comprises 12 stations-five elevated and seven underground. Separate tenders have already been issued for the elevated section, including five stations, the viaduct and the Vasant Kunj Metro Depot. Officials said work on both sections would progress simultaneously to meet the project timeline. "The underground section passes through densely populated areas and the historic markets of Old Lucknow, making it one of the most critical and technically demanding components of the East-West Corridor. This tender marks an important milestone in the timely implementation of the project," he said....