Delhi Metro Aqua Line Extension to Sector 142 in Noida Closer to Approval, Enhancing Connectivity to Noida International Airport
The Delhi Metro Aqua Line in Noida is progressing steadily, with the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) starting a detailed topography survey to assess the land, buildings, markets, and roads along the proposed 11.6-km stretch. This extension will connect the existing Aqua Line, running from the Botanical Garden to Sector 142, extending the metro network further to Pari Chowk.
The new route will pass along the Noida Expressway and will link with Delhi Metro’s Blue and Magenta Lines. It will provide a crucial transportation link between Noida and Delhi, while also improving access to the Noida International Airport in Jewar, which is around 40 kilometres away from the city centre. This project promises to significantly enhance travel connectivity for thousands of daily commuters and is expected to ease congestion along the expressway, which has seen a sharp rise in traffic over recent years. The extension will also benefit passengers who currently must switch between different lines at Sector 52 or the Botanical Garden to reach Delhi. With the new corridor, commuters will only need to change trains once at the Botanical Garden station to connect to either the Blue or Magenta Line, cutting down on travel time and making the commute more convenient. Lokesh M, the CEO of Noida, highlighted the importance of this 11.6-km metro link, stating that it will dramatically reduce travel time for residents of Greater Noida and surrounding sectors along the Noida Expressway. This much-needed connectivity will also bring the metro closer to the Noida airport, further integrating the transport systems and improving access to one of the region’s most exciting new projects.
The project has already received approval from the state cabinet in June 2024, and its final approval from the central government is eagerly awaited. Sources suggest that this approval could be granted soon, with flights expected to begin operations at the Noida International Airport in April. The entire project, estimated to cost ₹2,254.35 crore, will be funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Noida Authority. The extension will consist of eight new stations, which will serve major areas including Sectors 44, 105, 93, 96, 97, 108, and 91. These stations will make it even more convenient for passengers living and working in these areas to access the metro. Additionally, a new stop near the Noida Authority’s future office in Sector 96 is expected to be a vital connection for those working in this developing commercial hub.
The ongoing topography survey, which involves mapping the land, utilities, and other infrastructural elements along the proposed route, will help determine the final alignment of the metro corridor. This survey is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, with the new route projected to serve at least 70,000 passengers daily once operational. While this Aqua Line extension project is moving forward, Noida is also waiting on approval for two other metro corridors: a 17.4-km stretch from Sector 51 to Knowledge Park V, and a 2.6-km extension from Depot to Bodaki. These projects, if approved, will further expand Noida’s metro network, positioning the city as a growing metropolitan area with robust public transport options for both residents and visitors. The 11.6-km Aqua Line extension is a game-changer for Noida’s connectivity, linking key regions with Delhi and improving access to the Noida airport. The swift completion of the topography survey and the expected central government approval mark significant steps toward realising this ambitious transport project.
