Hyderabad: The recent approval of the Aqua Line Metro extension project by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet marks a significant milestone in enhancing the public transportation infrastructure of the Noida-Greater Noida region. This project, upon receiving central government approval, is poised to bring substantial benefits by reducing transportation costs and improving connectivity. The collaboration among various authorities underscores a collective effort to meet the growing demand for efficient commuting options.
The planned extension of the Aqua Line from Sector 142 to the Botanical Garden station will facilitate seamless connectivity to Delhi Metro’s Blue and Magenta lines. Spanning an 11.5 km corridor with eight new stations, the project is estimated to cost Rs 2,254 crore. The new stations will include Botanical Garden, Sector 44, Noida Authority Office in Sector 96, Sector 97, Sector 105, Sector 108, Sector 93, and Panchsheel Balak Inter College.
The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) hailed the Cabinet’s approval as a “pivotal step” in the expansion of the city’s Metro network. According to the NMRC, this corridor is designed to meet the increasing demand for reliable and efficient public transportation, promising to significantly benefit the region’s residents and businesses.
The NMRC highlighted the importance of this extension in addressing the current reliance on personal vehicles and cabs due to the lack of robust public transport options along the Noida-Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressways. “The new metro corridor is designed to address the growing demand for efficient and reliable public transportation,” the NMRC stated.
Once completed, the extension will simplify commutes between Noida, Greater Noida, and Delhi. It will offer direct connectivity to the Indira Gandhi International Airport via the Magenta Line and to the New Delhi Railway Station via the Blue Line. Additionally, inter-city buses to Greater Noida will be available from the Botanical Garden station, further enhancing the region’s connectivity.
In the current scenario, residents and office-goers heavily depend on cabs, autorickshaws, personal cars, and two-wheelers for travel along the expressway, resulting in high transportation costs. Sudhir Sood, a resident of Sector 44, noted the limitations: “There are numerous 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, which is expensive.”
Despite the anticipation, the project still requires final approval from the central government before NMRC can proceed with hiring a contractor. The construction, expected 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, echoing the broader sentiment of anticipation among local residents and office workers.
When operational, the new Metro corridor promises to revolutionise daily commutes, easing congestion and reducing transportation costs for many. With central government approval, construction could soon be underway, paving the way for a more connected and efficient transportation network in the region.
As Noida continues to develop, the extension of the Aqua Line Metro stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to advancing public infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life for its residents.
