The Noida authority, following the rejection of the current proposal by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), is now seeking permission from the Uttar Pradesh government to explore an alternative route for the proposed 14.9km Metro corridor between Noida and Greater Noida West.
The PMO’s rejection was based on concerns that the proposed link did not ensure seamless connectivity between Delhi Metro’s Blue Line’s Sector 51 station and the intended 14.9km link originating from Aqua Line’s Sector 51 Metro station, situated 300m away.
Residents of Greater Noida West, formerly known as Noida Extension, faced disappointment as the rejection posed a setback for the much-needed public transport facility in the area. Currently relying on private vehicles, auto-rickshaws, or private taxis, thousands of residents were hopeful for improved commuting options.
The Noida authority had proposed a connection between Aqua Line’s Sector 51 Metro station and Delhi Metro’s Sector 51 Metro station through an elevator, eliminating the need for a 300m walk between the two stations. However, the PMO did not approve of this solution and rejected the proposal.
Furthermore, the PMO recommended that the new Metro link should initiate from Blue Line’s Sector 61 Metro station instead of Aqua Line’s Sector 51 Metro station. In response, the Noida authority is exploring a new route to Greater Noida West, home to numerous newly built group housing societies.
Lokesh M, CEO of the Noida authority, stated, “We have written to the Uttar Pradesh government seeking their green signal for the preparation of the detailed project report of a new Metro route between Noida and Greater Noida West. We will follow whatever direction is given by the state.”
The Public Investment Board (PIB) had approved ₹2,197 crore for the 14.9km Metro link project in November 2022, as reported by HT. However, with the PMO’s rejection and the suggestion to consider a new route, the Noida authority is now seeking approval from the state government to prepare a revised detailed project report (DPR).
The proposed new route, as suggested by the PMO, could originate from Blue Line’s Sector 61 station and traverse through Noida’s sector 71, 72, Garhi Chowkhandi village, and Parthala bridge, deviating from the earlier plan running parallel to Noida-Greater Noida West link road after starting from Aqua Line’s Sector 51 Metro station.
Vivek Raman, president of the Greater Noida West Entrepreneur Association, expressed concerns about the prolonged procedure for approvals, stating, “The state and central government must do something to expedite the work on the Metro to Greater Noida West.”
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