NMRC Board Greenlights Metro Rail's Entry into Noida Extension

The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has taken a significant step towards addressing the long-standing demand for metro connectivity in Noida Extension, also known as Greater Noida West. On Monday, the NMRC board approved a detailed project report (DPR) outlining the expansion of its network to Noida Extension, complete with an interchange station connecting to the Delhi Metro's Blue Line.

Noida Extension, a densely populated area, has been grappling with the absence of government-aided public transport for years. Locals have staged numerous protests, advocating for metro rail connectivity and bus services in the region.

The approved DPR proposes extending the Aqua Line corridor from Noida Sector-51 station to Knowledge Park V in Greater Noida, covering a distance of 17.43 kilometers and featuring 11 stations. The estimated cost of the project stands at Rs. 2991.60 crore, according to NMRC Managing Director Lokesh M.

Lokesh emphasized the significance of the project, highlighting the proposed inter-connectivity between the existing Aqua Line and the Delhi Metro's Blue Line at Sector-61 station. This interchange station is expected to benefit commuters from Noida, Greater Noida West, and Greater Noida by providing faster and direct connectivity to Noida and Delhi, and vice versa.

With the NMRC Board's approval secured, the DPR will now undergo processing for approval by the governments of Uttar Pradesh and India, Lokesh confirmed. The Noida Sector-61 station will serve as a crucial interchange point between the Aqua Line and the Delhi Metro's Blue Line.

The proposed corridor is set to alleviate traffic congestion along Vikas Marg and the Noida-Greater Noida Link Road, benefiting commuters in these areas. Additionally, the expansion will integrate seamlessly with the existing Aqua Line and the DMRC network, enhancing overall metro connectivity in the region.

In addition to the Noida Extension project, the NMRC is also pursuing expansion plans on two other corridors, including a corridor between the Botanical Garden Metro Station and Noida Sector-142, and an extension from NMCR's Depot Station to Bodaki in Greater Noida. The DPR for the Botanical Garden-Sector 142 corridor has been submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government and awaits approval before advancing to the Centre for clearance.

ET