The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has announced the establishment of parking facilities at 12 additional stations along the Aqua Line.
This initiative aims to facilitate the ‘park-and-ride’ concept, encouraging more residents to opt for metro travel over personal vehicles. The stations set to receive these new parking amenities include Sector 76, Sector 101, NSEZ, Sector 83, Sector 137, Sector 143, Sector 144, Sector 145, Sector 147, Sector 148, Pari Chowk, and Delta 1. This expansion is in addition to the existing parking provisions at Sector 51, Sector 142, Sector 146, and Alpha 1 stations, bringing the total number of stations with parking facilities to 16.
An official from NMRC highlighted that the introduction of these parking spaces is a strategic effort to address the growing demand for integrated transport solutions in the region. “By providing accessible parking at key metro stations, we aim to reduce the reliance on personal vehicles for the entire commute, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and environmental pollution,” the official stated. The parking facilities will operate daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. To discourage overnight parking, NMRC has implemented a penalty system: vehicles left beyond operational hours will incur fines of ₹200 for two-wheelers and ₹300 for four-wheelers per night.
Each parking area is designed to accommodate a mix of vehicles, including dedicated spaces for two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and bicycles. However, some flexibility in space allocation will be maintained to optimize usage based on demand. The fee structure for these parking facilities is as follows: parking for four-wheelers will cost ₹25 for up to six hours, ₹50 for up to 12 hours, and ₹55 for a full day, with a monthly pass available for ₹1,100. For two-wheelers, the fee is ₹15 for up to six hours, ₹25 for up to 12 hours, and ₹30 for a full day, with a monthly rate of ₹500.
These rates are competitive and aim to provide an affordable alternative to daily commuters, further incentivizing the use of public transportation. The Aqua Line, which connects Noida’s Sector 51 to the Depot station in Greater Noida, has witnessed a steady increase in ridership, with daily commuters exceeding 55,000. The addition of parking facilities is expected to accommodate this growing number and encourage more residents to utilize the metro services.
Urban planning experts have lauded NMRC’s initiative, emphasizing its alignment with broader goals of sustainable city development. By integrating parking solutions with public transit, the corporation is addressing the critical ‘last-mile connectivity’ challenge, making metro travel a more viable option for a larger segment of the population. Furthermore, this development is anticipated to have a positive impact on the city’s carbon footprint. By reducing the number of private vehicles on the road, there will likely be a decrease in vehicular emissions, contributing to improved air quality and overall environmental health.
NMRC’s proactive approach in expanding parking facilities across the Aqua Line stations represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable, efficient, and commuter-friendly urban transport ecosystem in Noida and Greater Noida.
