The Noida Metro Aqua Line carried a record 1,05,358 passengers on 23 October, prompting the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) to increase train frequency during peak hours from 1 November 2026. The interval between trains will be reduced from 7 minutes 30 seconds to 6 minutes 35 seconds to respond to rising demand.
The ridership figure is the highest recorded on the Aqua Line since NMRC began operations, according to the report. The line connects key areas of Noida and Greater Noida and forms part of the wider public transport network used by commuters travelling across the Delhi-National Capital Region.
NMRC said passenger numbers have increased by 20 per cent following measures aimed at improving connectivity and ease of travel. These measures include QR code-based ticketing, the National Common Mobility Card and foot overbridges at stations.
Under the revised peak-hour schedule, trains will operate more frequently from 1 November. Reducing the gap between services from 7 minutes 30 seconds to 6 minutes 35 seconds is intended to increase carrying capacity during the periods when demand is highest. The report does not specify the total number of additional train services that will be operated under the revised frequency.
NMRC is also considering an extension of late-night services. The last train from Noida Sector 51 towards Depot Station is proposed to depart at 11:25 pm. The change will depend on the completion of necessary arrangements and an assessment of operational feasibility, according to the report.
The proposed late-night departure is separate from the confirmed peak-hour frequency change. NMRC is also holding discussions with relevant stakeholders to improve last-mile connectivity for metro users travelling between stations and their final destinations. Details of the agencies involved and a final implementation timeline for these discussions were not provided in the report.
The record comes as the Aqua Line handles a growing number of passengers using the corridor for daily travel. For commuters, the reduction in peak-hour waiting time is the immediate operational change announced by NMRC. The corporation’s next steps are to implement the revised frequency from 1 November and complete the arrangements required to determine whether the proposed late-night service can be introduced.
