The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Charbagh Railway Station to Vasant Kunj and comprising 12 stations. The project received approval from the centre in August 2025 and carries an estimated cost of Rs 58.01 billion (bn). According to the detailed project report the corridor will include an elevated stretch of about four point two eight six kilometres with five stations between Vasant Kunj and Thakurganj and an underground section of about six point eight seven nine kilometres with seven stations between Charbagh and Niwazganj. UPMRC invited bids for the detailed design consultant contract in August 2025 for a contract period of 60 months and two bidders qualified at the technical stage. The financial bids were opened on 21 January and the joint venture was selected following evaluation of the financial offers. Under the contract the consultant will be responsible for detailed design of civil, architectural, electrical and mechanical and traction works for both the elevated and underground sections. The scope also includes design inputs for a depot at Vasant Kunj. The award of the consultancy contract represents the first major step towards implementation of the East West Corridor and will advance preparatory work for construction. The contract award is intended to expedite detailed engineering and to support procurement of construction contracts and related approvals. The selection of a detailed design consultant is expected to provide clarity on timelines and technical specifications and to assist coordination with stakeholders across the alignment. The move is the first delivery following project approval.