The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has initiated a topography survey for the proposed 11.6-km extension of the Aqua Line from Botanical Garden to Sector 142. This survey aims to assess the elevation of buildings, roads, and markets along the alignment to ensure smooth metro integration.
The planned extension will run along the Noida Expressway, enhancing connectivity between Delhi and the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar. The new corridor will link the Aqua Line with the Blue and Magenta lines of the Delhi Metro, simplifying travel for commuters. A detailed project report (DPR) for the extension, prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), is awaiting central government approval.
The Uttar Pradesh state cabinet approved the project in June 2024 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,254.35 crore. The funding will be shared by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Noida Authority. With the Noida International Airport expected to begin operations in April 2025, the project approval is anticipated soon.
Noida CEO Lokesh M emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “The 11.6-km metro link is a priority for us. This corridor will significantly reduce travel time to Delhi for residents of Greater Noida and the Noida Expressway sectors.” He also noted that the extension would provide seamless interchange at Botanical Garden, reducing the need for additional travel between stations.
Currently, passengers on the Aqua Line, which runs from Depot Station in Greater Noida to Sector 51 in Noida, need to walk to Sector 52 (Blue Line) or Botanical Garden (Magenta Line) for further travel. The new extension will eliminate this gap by offering a direct connection.
The extended corridor will feature eight new stations, including Sector 96 (near Noida Authority’s upcoming office), Sectors 44, 105, and 93 along the expressway, as well as Sectors 97, 108 (near the police commissioner’s office), and 91 (near Panchsheel Balak Inter College).
An NMRC official highlighted the significance of the topography survey, stating, “The study is essential for determining the precise alignment of the metro corridor while accounting for potential obstacles. We aim to complete the survey within the next few weeks.”
The corridor is projected to serve at least 70,000 daily passengers upon completion. Additionally, two other metro extensions are under consideration: a 17.4-km corridor from Sector 51 to Knowledge Park V with 11 stations (four in Noida and seven in Greater Noida) and a 2.6-km extension from Depot to Bodaki with two stations. Approval for these projects is pending.
