Noida-Ghaziabad Metro Link to Integrate with Rapid Rail System

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has put forth a revised plan to extend the Blue Line from Noida Electronic City, emphasizing the integration of the last proposed station at Sahibabad with the nearby Rapid Rail station. As reported by the Times of India (TOI), the plan envisions the construction of a metro station in Sahibabad opposite the existing Rapid Rail station in Vasundhara.

The proposed integration aims to enhance multi-modal connectivity, enabling passengers to seamlessly transit between the Blue Line and the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail corridor without the need to exit the premises. To achieve this, a foot overbridge will connect the two stations, which are strategically located on either side of the Link Road.

The 5.2-km Metro route is set to culminate at Sahibabad, integrating with the Namo Bharat station on the opposite side of the Link Road. This integration is designed to provide commuters with a seamless and efficient transportation experience.

The proposed route will encompass five stations through Indirapuram and Vasundhara, including Vaibhav Khand, DPS Indirapuram, Shakti Khand, Vasundhara Sector 5, and Sahibabad. Additionally, the Blue Line's extension from Dwarka to Vaishali will interface with the Rapid Rail at Anand Vihar in Delhi.

In terms of funding, the Uttar Pradesh government has devised a cost-sharing formula committing to cover 80% of the estimated expenditure of Rs. 1,517 crore for the Metro route through its agencies. The remaining 20% will be sourced from the Centre. To overcome financial constraints, the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) plans to secure a loan from the NCR Planning Board to cover its share of the project cost. The proposed integration and expansion aim to elevate the efficiency and connectivity of the Noida-Ghaziabad metro link, meeting the evolving needs of the growing urban landscape.

BS