The UP Cabinet approved the extension of the Aqua Line Metro on Tuesday, moving a step closer to making the Metro accessible to sectors along the Noida-Greater Noida and Yamuna expressways. The plan includes extending the Aqua Line from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden station, facilitating connectivity to Delhi Metro’s Blue and Magenta lines. This 11.5 km corridor, featuring eight stations, is estimated to cost INR 2,254 crore.The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) stated that the Cabinet approval “marks a pivotal step” in the development of the city’s Metro network and “promises to bring substantial benefits to the region.” The NMRC emphasized the corridor’s aim to meet the increasing demand for efficient and reliable public transportation.
NMRC managing director Lokesh M highlighted the state cabinet nod as a “significant step” that will ensure “seamless public transportation.”
“The new metro corridor is designed to address the growing demand for efficient and reliable public transportation,” the NMRC said in its statement.
Work on the runway, passenger terminal, and control tower is well advanced, showcasing the project’s steady progress. Recently, key concessions for ground handling, commercial area operations, and essential maintenance contracts have been awarded, marking important steps forward. Additionally, agreements with several airlines have been signed to establish flight connections from Noida International Airport, further boosting its operational prospects.
Noida Metro Auqa Line Extension: Stations and Other Details
As Noida continues to develop along the Yamuna Expressway, both residents and office-goers have long demanded Metro connectivity. The new route will feature stations at Botanical Garden, Sector 44, Noida Authority Office in Sector 96, Sector 97, Sector 105, Sector 108, Sector 93, and Panchsheel Balak Inter College.
Direct Connectivity to Airport, Delhi Railway Station
Once completed, the extension will simplify the commute between Noida, Greater Noida, and Delhi, offering direct connectivity to the IGI Airport via the Magenta Line and the New Delhi Railway Station via the Blue Line. Inter-city buses to Greater Noida will also be available from Botanical Garden station.
In the current scenario, residents and employees heavily rely on cabs, autorickshaws, personal cars, and two-wheelers for travel along the expressway. Sudhir Sood, a resident of Sector 44, pointed out the current limitations: “There are a number of residential sectors and commercial establishments along the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and Yamuna Expressway. In the absence of a robust public transport system, residents and office-goers mostly use cabs and taxis. This is expensive.”
Aqua Line Extension: Cost and Deadline
However, the project still requires central government approval before NMRC can hire a contractor. Construction, anticipated to take three years, will commence following this final nod. The project’s cost will be shared by the Noida Authority, Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, and the UP and central governments.
“There’s still a long way to go before work can begin,” Sood remarked, reflecting broader sentiments of anticipation among local residents and office workers.
When it comes into effect, the new Metro corridor promises to revolutionize daily commutes, easing congestion and reducing transportation costs for many. With the central government’s approval, construction could soon be underway, paving the way for a more connected and efficient transportation network in the region.
