Revised Plan For Metro's Entry Into Noida Extension Gets Nod, DPR To Be Sent For Centre's Approval

Advancing the expansion plans for the metro network to Greater Noida West, the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) on Monday approved the revised detailed project report (DPR) for the extension of the Aqua Line corridor.

This proposed link will stretch from the existing Sector 51 Metro station, part of Noida Metro's Aqua Line, and end at Knowledge Park V (Greater Noida), with an interchange at Delhi Metro's Blue Line Sector 61 Metro station.

As per the report, the project, covering a length of 17.43 km, will have 11 stations and is estimated to cost Rs 2,991.60 crore.

The proposed stations are - Noida Sector 61, Noida Sector 70, Noida Sector 122, Noida Sector 123, Greater Noida Sector 4, EcoTech 12, Greater Noida Sector 2, Greater Noida Sector 3, Greater Noida Sector 10, Greater Noida Sector 12 and Greater Noida Knowledge Park V.

Noida Extension, also known as Greater Noida West, is home to lakhs of people but lacks government-aided public transport. There have been several demonstrations by locals over the years for metro rail connectivity and bus service in the region.

“The importance of the project is due to the proposed inter-connectivity of the existing operational Aqua Line to the DMRC’s Blue Line at Sector-61 station and benefiting the commuters of Noida, Greater Noida West area and Greater Noida area with faster and direct connectivity towards Noida and Delhi and vice versa,” NMRC Managing Director Lokesh M said.

The DPR will now be sent for approval by the Uttar Pradesh Government and the Centre.

Modification in DPR

The previous DPR had proposed an interchange — a foot over bridge connection (FoB) — between Aqua Line’s Sector 51 metro station and Blue Line’s Sector 52 station.

However, the NMRC sought changes, stating that the bridge would not resolve commuters’ problem permanently owing to the 430-metre distance between the two stations.

It said that even if there is a provision for travelators, travelling a distance of 430 m, between two stations will always be deterrent to encourage commuters.

Subsequently, the NMRC asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to change the alignment of extension of Aqua Line, by providing for a seamless connectivity of Aqua Line and Blue Line.

"The connectivity solution has to be found at this stage and if extension is pursued as per DPR, the seamless connectivity issue of Aqua Line and Blue Line will remain unresolved forever with no scope of further correction. It would be prudent to take up extension of Aqua Line without aforementioned constraint as it will have long term adverse effect on foot fall", said the NMRC.