Noida Metro Aqua Line Extension Approved: Rs 2,254 Crore Link to Botanical Garden
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its official approval for a significant expansion of the Noida Metro network. This major infrastructure project involves the construction of an 11.6-kilometer extension of the Aqua Line, connecting Sector 142 to the Botanical Garden station. The approval addresses a long-standing demand for enhanced metro connectivity in the rapidly developing Noida region.
Triple-Interchange Hub and Strategic Connectivity
This extension is set to transform Botanical Garden into a triple-interchange hub within the Delhi-National Capital Region metro network. It will seamlessly integrate Noida's Aqua Line with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's Blue Line and Magenta Line. This integration is expected to provide a substantial boost to commuter convenience and regional connectivity.
The project will bridge a critical connectivity gap along the 25-kilometer Noida Expressway. It is strategically positioned to benefit numerous IT/ITES parks, corporate campuses, educational institutions, and residential high-rises located in the fast-growing sectors of Noida and Greater Noida.
Enhanced Airport Access and Long-Term Vision
Once operational, commuters using the Aqua Line will gain direct access to Delhi's domestic airport via the Magenta Line. This will facilitate seamless transit between Noida, Greater Noida, and key areas of Delhi. Furthermore, the corridor is envisioned to play a strategic long-term role in linking the Indira Gandhi International Airport with the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, which is approximately 40 kilometers from Pari Chowk.
Project Specifications and Timeline
The approved corridor carries a budget of Rs 2,254 crore. The project will feature eight elevated stations along the route:
- Botanical Garden
- Sector 96
- Sector 44
- Sector 105
- Sector 93
- Sector 97
- Sector 108
- Sector 91
The construction is targeted for completion within a four-year timeframe. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that this new corridor will expand the active metro rail network in Noida and Greater Noida to a total of 61.6 kilometers.
Approval Process and Commuter Benefits
The clearance process for this project involved several key steps:
- The Noida Metro Rail Corporation submitted the Detailed Project Report on January 5, 2024.
- State-level approval was secured in June 2024.
- Final Cabinet clearance was granted after revisions requested by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The extension promises significant time savings for daily commuters. Currently, travelers must go to Sector 51 and then walk to Sector 52 to access the Blue Line. The new corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Sector 142 and Botanical Garden from approximately 45 minutes to just about 15 minutes.
A local resident highlighted the current challenges, stating, "We have to reach Sector 51 and then change to Sector 52. The skywalk between the two stations is still under construction, which makes the interchange very inconvenient. Covering barely 12 kilometers takes a long time." This project aims to directly address such commuter grievances and enhance the overall public transit experience in the Delhi-NCR region.
