Locals have been advocating for metro rail connectivity and bus service in the area for several years.
The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) approved a detailed project report (DPR) on Monday for expanding its network to Noida Extension, including an interchange station on the Delhi Metro’s Blue Line.
Also known as Greater Noida West, Noida Extension is home to a large population, but lacks government-aided public transport. There have been multiple demonstrations by locals over the years to advocate for metro rail connectivity and bus service in the region.
The DPR for the expansion of the Aqua Line corridor from Noida Sector-51 station to Knowledge Park V (Greater Noida) was presented before the NMRC’s Board for approval. The plan includes 11 stations on a 17.43-km route with a cost of Rs 2991.60 crore, according to NMRC Managing Director Lokesh M.
“The importance of the project lies in the proposed inter-connectivity of the existing operational Aqua Line to the DMRC’s Blue line at Sector-61 station, benefiting commuters of Noida, Greater Noida West area, and Greater Noida area with faster and direct connectivity towards Noida and Delhi,” Lokesh said.
“The DPR for this project was approved by the NMRC Board today. Now, the DPR will be processed for approval by the government of Uttar Pradesh and the government of India,” said Lokesh, who is also the CEO of Noida Authority.
The Noida Sector-61 station will serve as an interchange station between the NMRC’s Aqua Line and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s Blue Line, added the officer.
The proposed corridor will have stations at Noida Sector-61, Sector-70, Sector-122, Sector-123, Greater Noida Sector-4, Ecotech 4, Greater Noida Sector 2, 3, 10, 12, and Greater Noida Knowledge Park-V, the NMRC announced.
The project would benefit commuters of Noida, Greater Noida West, and Greater Noida via Vikas Marg and Noida-Greater Noida Link Road, and help decongest the road traffic along these routes, according to Lokesh.
The project will connect commuters to the existing operational Aqua Line of the NMRC and Blue Line of the DMRC network, he added.
In addition, there are plans for the expansion of the Noida Metro on two more corridors: one between the Botanical Garden Metro Station and the Noida Sector-142 station, and the other an extension from NMCR’s Depot Station to Bodaki in Greater Noida, according to officials.
The DPR for the Botanical Garden-Sector 142 corridor has been submitted by the NMRC to the Uttar Pradesh government and will be sent to the Centre for clearance once approval is received, they added.