Delhi Metro's Aqua Line Extension in Noida Set for Approval as Survey Commences.

The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has begun a topography survey to assess the elevation of buildings, markets, and roads along the proposed 11.6-km extension of the Aqua Line from the Botanical Garden to Sector 142 in Noida. This corridor will run alongside the Noida expressway and connect the Aqua Line with Delhi Metro's Blue and Magenta lines, ultimately extending the metro network from the Botanical Garden to Pari Chowk.

This extension will also provide a crucial mass transit link between Delhi and the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar, located about 40 kilometers away. A project report by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is awaiting central government approval. With passenger flights set to begin operations at Noida airport in April, approval for the metro extension is expected soon. The project, which has already received state cabinet approval in June 2024, is estimated to cost Rs 2,254.35 crore, with funding from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Noida Authority.

Lokesh M, CEO of Noida, emphasized the importance of the 11.6-km metro link, saying it will significantly reduce travel time for residents of Greater Noida and Noida Expressway sectors. The new corridor will allow passengers to switch trains once at Botanical Garden to access the Blue and Magenta lines, while also bringing the metro closer to the Noida airport. "We are finalizing all procedures for this metro link to ensure construction begins promptly once central government approval is received," he added.

Currently, the Aqua Line connects Greater Noida's depot station to Sector 51 in Noida. However, passengers must switch to either the Blue Line at Sector 52 or the Magenta Line at Botanical Garden to reach Delhi. The new corridor will introduce eight additional stations, including stops near the Noida Authority's future office in Sector 96, as well as in sectors 44, 105, 93, 97, 108, and 91.

The ongoing topography survey will determine the precise alignment of the new metro corridor, factoring in any potential obstacles. The survey is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, with the new route projected to serve at least 70,000 passengers daily.

In addition to this project, two other metro corridors are awaiting approval, including a 17.4-km stretch from Sector 51 to Knowledge Park V and a 2.6-km extension from Depot to Bodaki.

ET