NMRC to build 5 Metro stations on Aqua Line extension

NOIDA (Metro Rail News): The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has issued a tender to develop five Metro stations on the extension line of the Aqua Line to Greater Noida West in the first phase. The proposed route will connect Noida’s Sector 51 station with Greater Noida’s Sector 2, and help make commuting easier of scores of residents living in high-rises and villages en route. On December 3, 2019, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet had approved the 14.95km Aqua-Line extension corridor comprising nine stations from Noida’s Sector 51 to Knowledge Park 5 in Greater Noida.

Praveen Mishra, an executive director, NMRC, confirmed that the tender has been issued. The 9.15km route in the first phase will have five Metro stations -- Sector 122 and Sector 123 in Noida; and Sector 4, Ecotech 12 and Sector 2 in Greater Noida. In the second phase of 5.8km, there will be four Metro stations; in Greater Noida’s Sector 3, Sector 10, Greater Sector 12 and Knowledge Park 5.

Sandhya Sharma, deputy general manager, NMRC, said the Greater Noida West extension line is significant given the number of residential colonies in that area. “The NMRC has issued a tender on September 29 and the last date for submission of bids is October 31. The project will be completed in 24 months from the award of contract. Soil testing and geotechnical survey of the route have been completed,” she said.

The NMRC commenced operations of the Aqua Line, comprising 21 stations from Sector 51 in Noida to Depot station in Greater Noida, on January 25, 2019. This existing corridor has 15 stations in Noida and six in Greater Noida. This 29.71km Aqua Line was developed at a cost of ₹5,503 crores. The average daily ridership in February 2020, stood at 25,907. After the lockdown, it resumed services on September 7 and has an average daily ridership of 4,200.