Noida Metro
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| Noida Metro | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Owner | Noida Metro Rail Corporation |
| Area served | Noida and Greater Noida |
| Transit type | Rapid Transit |
| Number of lines | 1 |
| Line number | Aqua Line |
| Number of stations | 21 |
| Daily ridership | 45,881 (2023)[1] |
| Chief executive | Jaideep (Chairman) Ritu Maheshwari, IAS (Managing Director) |
| Headquarters | Block-III, Ganga Shopping Complex, Sector-29, Noida, Uttar Pradesh[2] |
| Website | www |
| Operation | |
| Began operation | 25 January 2019 |
| Operator(s) | Noida Metro Rail Corporation[3] |
| Character | Elevated |
| Train length | 4 coaches |
| Headway | 10-15 minutes |
| Technical | |
| System length | 29.7 km (18.5 mi) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Electrification | 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead catenary |
| Top speed | 80 km/h (50 mph) |

The Noida Metro is a rapid transit system serving the twin cities of Noida and Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, India. The metro network consists of one line (Aqua Line), with a total length of 29.7 kilometres (18.5 mi) serving 21 stations, all of them elevated. The system uses standard-gauge tracks.
The services are available from 6:00am to 10:00pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, trains are available between 8:00am and 10:00pm. The trains make 163 trips a day on weekdays, using a fleet of 10 trains and the frequency is 10 minutes during peak hours (8:00am–11:00am and 5:00pm–8:00pm) and 15 minutes during off-peak hours. On Saturday and Sunday the frequency is 10 minutes.[4] Initially, the trains are composed of four cars to be extended up to six in the future.
Noida Metro is the 11th Metro system to be built in India and 2nd in Uttar Pradesh after Lucknow Metro. It is the ninth longest operational metro network in India after the Delhi Metro, Hyderabad Metro, Chennai Metro, Namma Metro and Kolkata Metro.
Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC), a state-owned corporation, is building and owns the system. However, the operations and maintenance of Noida Metro lies with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.[5] The line is connected to Delhi Metro at Noida Sector 51 station by a footbridge. Foundation for the NMRC project was laid down in October 2014, with the construction being commenced by the end of December 2014 by then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav. Trial runs started in August 2018, and the metro was inaugurated on 25 January 2019 by Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath.[6] It is planned to be connected with the proposed Jewar Airport through an extension of the Aqua Line.[7]
History
[edit]The Uttar Pradesh government approved the construction of a 29.7 km (18.5 mi) metro line, linking Noida with Greater Noida in October 2014. The government also appointed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as the turnkey consultant for the project.
The detailed project report (DPR) was prepared by the DMRC. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) was formed to implement the project.[8] The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the project and forwarded the DPR to Government of India in October 2013. The Government of India and UP will each bear 20% of the costs and loans from external agencies would be taken to fund the rest 60% of the project. Twenty percent funding from UP will be shared by Noida and Greater Noida Authorities, based on the length of track that passes through the two areas.[8]
The NMRC announced on 30 November 2016 that the first line of the metro would be called the Aqua Line. Explaining the choice, NMRC managing director Santosh Yadav stated, "Aqua signifies an eco-friendly colour, which is what we want to portray."[9] The project received safety clearance from the commissioner of metro rail safety on 21 December 2018.[10]
The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) approved an extension of the Aqua Line as part of Phase 2 of the metro project on 4 December 2018. The 15 km extension will link Noida Sector 71 to Knowledge Park 5 in Greater Noida. The extension will consist of nine stations and is expected to cost ₹2,602 crore (US$310 million).[11][12] The new stations are Sector 122 and Sector 123 in Noida and Sector 4, Ecotech 12, Sectors 2, Sector 3, Sector 10, Sector 12 and Knowledge Park V in Greater Noida.[13]
Timeline
[edit]Phase 1
[edit]Noida Sector 51 to Depot
- Oct 2014: UP Government approves the metro project.[14]
- Sep 2015: Work progress in around Sec-71, Noida.[15][16]
- Nov 2015: 700 piles (pillar foundation) out of total 5000 have been made.[17]
- Feb 2016: NMRC completes first phase of construction in eight months. At this rate, the corridor is expected to be operational publicly by May 2017.
- Feb 2017: 70% work completed.[18]
- Mar 2017: Train trials to start by December 2017 and commercial operations by April 2018.[19]
- June 2017: Commercial operations to start by April 2018.[20]
- July 2017: 95% civil work of track and metro station completed, trial to start by year end.[21]
- Aug 2017: Metro train trial to start by year end on 6-km track from Depot station to Knowledge Park station.[22]
- Sep 2017: Commercial operations to start by April 2018.[23]
- Oct 2017: 97% civil work done. All stations to be ready by October end.[24]
- Nov 2017: The last girder was placed thus completing viaduct work for whole metro line.[25]
- Dec 2017: Four Aqua Line coaches arrive from China, each costing INR 11 crores. Trial run to begin soon.[26][27]
- Jan 2018: Limited trial run started on 1 km (0.62 mi) stretch.[28]
- Mar 2018: Full-fledged trial run to start in April.[29]
- Jun 2018: Trial runs going on from Gr Noida Depot to Noida Sector-148 slowly it will be extended to terminating station in Noida Sector-71. The line will become fully operational by Dec 2018.[30]
- Sep 2018: Trials continued for extended month till November 2018.
- Nov 2018: Currently, the corridor is undergoing extensive trials prior to final inspection by the commissioner of metro rail safety.[31]
- Dec 2018: Safety trial successfully conducted and fares decided.[32]
- Jan 2019: On 25 January, Aqua line was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath & cabinet minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri.
Phase 2
[edit]- Dec 2018: Uttar Pradesh government approved the project on 04-Dec-2018.
- Aug 2019: Project to get delayed due to financial viability. PPP mode to be explored.[33]
- Dec 2019: Project approved in Uttar Pradesh cabinet meeting, project deadline set to 2022
- Jun 2020: Tenders invited and to be submitted by end of June-2020.[34]
- July 2020: Tender for construction to be awarded by September.[35]
- Feb 2021: The tender and bidding process for Noida Aqua-Line Extension Project was conducted thrice between June 2020 and February 2021 but all three times they were cancelled due to relatively low response from the construction companies.
- June 2021: Tender for the Noida Metro Aqua Line Extension has been floated for the fourth time
- July 2021: This time NMRC has received 3 bids from Sam India Builtwell, GR Infra Projects, and Ashoka Buildcon. After the technical evaluation of bids NMRC has final candidates.
Network
[edit]
Phase-1 Existing
[edit]The operated 29.7-kilometre (18.5 mi) Aqua Line has 21 stations.[36][37] The line starts from Noida Sector 51 metro station and will run through sectors 50, 76, 101, 81, NSEZ, 83, 137, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147 and 148; after this it will enter Greater Noida and will go through Knowledge Park-II, Pari Chowk, Alpha-1, Delta-1 and GNIDA Office before terminating in Depot Station.
The entire route is on elevated track.[38] All stations are equipped with platform screen doors. The corridor was completed at a cost of ₹5,503 crore, according to the NMRC. This line has an interchange station with the Delhi Metro at Noida Sector 52 metro station.[39]
| Aqua Line | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Station Name | Total length in metres | Interstation distance in metres | Opening | Connections | Layout | ||
| English | Hindi | |||||||
| 1 | Noida Sector 51 | नोएडा सेक्टर ५१ | 0.000 | 0.000 | 25 January 2019 | Blue Line | Elevated | |
| 2 | Rainbow | नोएडा सेक्टर ५० | 1041.5 | 1041.5 | None | Elevated | ||
| 3 | Noida Sector 76 | नोएडा सेक्टर ७६ | 2095.0 | 1053.5 | None | Elevated | ||
| 4 | Noida Sector 101 | नोएडा सेक्टर १०१ | 3105.2 | 1010.2 | None | Elevated | ||
| 5 | Noida Sector 81 | नोएडा सेक्टर ८१ | 4228.9 | 1123.7 | None | Elevated | ||
| 6 | NSEZ | एन॰एस॰ई॰ज़ेड॰ | 5153.3 | 924.4 | None | Elevated | ||
| 7 | Noida Sector 83 | नोएडा सेक्टर ८३ | 7130 | 1976.7 | None | Elevated | ||
| 8 | Noida Sector 137 | नोएडा सेक्टर १३७ | 8279.4 | 1149.4 | None | Elevated | ||
| 9 | Noida Sector 142 | नोएडा सेक्टर १४२ | 9631.1 | 1351.7 | None | Elevated | ||
| 10 | Noida Sector 143 | नोएडा सेक्टर 1४३ | 11279.1 | 1648.0 | None | Elevated | ||
| 11 | Noida Sector 144 | नोएडा सेक्टर १४४ | 12500.6 | 1221.5 | None | Elevated | ||
| 12 | Noida Sector 145 | नोएडा सेक्टर १४५ | 13852.8 | 1352.2 | None | Elevated | ||
| 13 | Noida Sector 146 | नोएडा सेक्टर १५३ | 15084.1 | 1231.3 | None | Elevated | ||
| 14 | Noida Sector 147 | नोएडा सेक्टर १४७ | 16617.1 | 1533.0 | None | Elevated | ||
| 15 | Noida Sector 148 | नोएडा सेक्टर १४८ | None | Elevated | ||||
| 16 | Knowledge Park II | नॉलेज पार्क २ | 19910.6 | 3293.5 | None | Elevated | ||
| 17 | Pari Chowk | परी चौक | 22239 | 2328.4 | None | Elevated | ||
| 18 | Alpha 1 | एल्फा १ | 24010.8 | 921.8 | None | Elevated | ||
| 19 | Delta 1 | डेल्टा १ | 25096.7 | 1085.9 | None | Elevated | ||
| 20 | GNIDA Office | जी एन आई डी ए ऑफिस | 26182.6 | 1855.8 | None | Elevated | ||
| 21 | Depot | डिपो | 27881.4 | 1699.0 | None | Elevated | ||
Phase-2 Planned
[edit]Proposed metro routes are the following -
Aqua Line extension from Noida Sector 51 to Knowledge Park V
[edit]
Noida Aqua Metro Line: Sector 51 to Knowledge Park V extension: The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) on 4 December 2018, approved the Noida Metro Phase 2 from Noida Sector 51 to Knowledge Park V in Greater Noida. The extension will cover up to 15 km and comprise 9 stations and cost Rs 2602 crore.[40] According to the detailed project report (DPR), the new track would be completed in two phases and the entire project would connect Sector 51 in Noida and Knowledge Park V in Greater Noida. The first phase would be between Sector 51 and Greater Noida Sector 2, while the second phase would be between Greater Noida Sector 2 and Knowledge Park V stations, the DPR stated. There will be five stations in the first phase—Noida Sector 122, Sector 123, Greater Noida Sector 4, Eco Tech, and Greater Noida 2, while four stations in second phase—Greater Noida Sector 3, Sector 10, Sector 12 and Knowledge Park V.[41][42]
Botanical Garden to Noida Sector 142 PRT
[edit]
"Noida Film City-Noida Sector 142 PRT": It is a Personal rapid transit (PRT) from the existing Botanical Garden metro station (Noida Film City and Amusement Park in Noida Sector 16-18) to the existing Noida Sec 142 along the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway.[43] In 2023, the completed DPR has been sent for approval for 11.56 km line with the following 8 stations, are Botanical Garden, Noida Sector 44, Noida Office, Noida Sector 97, Noida Sector 105, Noida Sector 108, Noida Sector 93 and Panchsheel Balak Inter College.[44][45]
Greater Noida - Noida Airport Metro
[edit]
"Greater Noida-Noida Airport Metro": from the existing Noida Sector 148 metro station on Noida Aqua Line to Noida International Airport is also proposed; and the Delhi Metro via the Faridabad–Ballabhgarh–Palwal–Jewar route.[46][47]
Ballabhgarh - Noida Airport Metro
[edit]
"Ballabhgarh-Noida Airport Metro": From Ballabhgarh metro station on Delhi Metro Violet Line to Palwal and Jewar Airport.[46][47]
Infrastructure
[edit]Rolling stock
[edit]The metro uses lightweight rakes made of stainless steel and aluminum, manufactured by China's CRRC Corporation. Each train has a seating capacity of 186 and a standing capacity of 848, with total capacity of 1,034 passengers. Nineteen rakes with four coaches each, a total of 76 coaches, will operate of the Aqua Line. The cost of each coach is ₹4 crore (US$470,000). Trains are equipped with a passenger information system, a public address system and an emergency announcement system from the operation control centre.[48]
Power
[edit]All 21 stations, the train depot, and the NMRC offices will be powered by solar energy. The NMRC will install solar panels on the rooftops of all stations, footbridges, its main office building, the depot and parking lot boundary walls to generate an estimated 12 MW of solar power daily. The metro system will also be supplemented with conventional electricity, which will also be used as a backup. Trains will not be powered by solar power, and will instead use conventional power supply.[49]
Signaling
[edit]The metro is operated under CBTC control, supplied by Ansaldo STS.
City bus & Feeder bus
[edit]This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2018) |
In the first phase, 50 AC CNG buses low floor buses are being operated on 6 routes. Noida and Greater Noida authorities were given the responsibility of running the City Bus Service in the ratio of 70:30 to the Noida Metro Rail Corporation. Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC) presented the assessment of requirement of buses on 27 routes by conducting a survey for the city bus service and monitoring will be done by Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. While one route will provide service as Metro feeder buses, two routes will cover intra city service, while one route will be for intra connectivity in Greater Noida city. Two routes have also been dedicated for connectivity between the cities of Noida and Greater Noida. The salient features of buses operated are:
1. All buses are air conditioned buses propelled with BS-IV CNG fuel
2. Technical specification of buses compatible with Urban Bus Specification –II as published by MOUD Govt. of India
3. The entry floor height of the bus is 340 mm, the first of its kind in India
4. The bus has provision of a kneeling mechanism with manual ramp for disabled persons
5. The bus is completely ITS equipped with PIS Boards and LED boards
6. CCTV have been fitted inside the bus for safety of passengers
Operations
[edit]Trains operate at an average speed of 35 km/h (22 mph) with a headway of ten minutes during non-peak hours and 7.30 minutes during peak hours from Monday to Friday, 15 minutes headway for Saturday and Sunday.[48]
Network Map
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "5 Years of Noida Metro: Daily Ridership Rises 155%, Chandrayaan-3 Emblem on NMRC Cards". Times Now. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- ^ "Contact Us – Noida Metro Rail Corporation Ltd". www.nmrcnoida.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
- ^ "Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. | ABOUT US". delhimetrorail.com. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
- ^ "Noida metro: Noida: Aqua Line trains every 7.30 min during rush hours from June 3". The Times of India. June 2019.
- ^ "Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. | ABOUT US". delhimetrorail.com. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
- ^ "Inauguration of Noida-Greater Noida metro line likely on Jan 25, says NMRC". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 17 January 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ "Greater Noida to Jewar airport in less than 25 minutes? DMRC to ready plan". The Times of India. 9 April 2021. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
- ^ "Noida Metro to be Aqua line". The Times of India. December 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
- ^ "Aqua Line ready for launch, nod awaited from UP". The Times of India. 22 December 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
- ^ "Noida extension to get metro soon". The Times of India. 5 December 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
- ^ "UP government approves 15-km Metro link between Noida Sec 71 and Greater Noida". Hindustan Times. 5 December 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
- ^ "Metro extension: Noida ready for Aqua line second phase, 9 more stations including seven in Greater Noida". dna. 6 December 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
- ^ "UP clears Metro to Greater Noida". The Times of India. October 2014.
- ^ TNN (3 September 2015). "Plan to ease busy stretches on Greater Noida Metro route". The Times of India.
- ^ Vandana Keelor (19 October 2015). "Noida Metro to be ready for trials by July '18: DMRC chief". The Times of India.
- ^ "Noida-Greater Noida Metro work progressing as per schedule". Nyoooz. 10 November 2015. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
- ^ "'Noida Metro is 70% complete'". The Times of India. 7 February 2017.
- ^ "Noida Metro speeds up work of 21 stations on Greater Noida line". Hindustan Times. 8 March 2017.
- ^ "अप्रैल, 2018 में शुरू हो जाएगी नोएडा मेट्रो".
- ^ "Work on Noida metro 95% complete, NMRC looks to hire more staff". 5 July 2017.
- ^ "Aqua Line Metro trials to begin by year-end". The Times of India. 2 August 2017.
- ^ "Greater Noida Metro: Here is how passengers can benefit". The Financial Express. 18 September 2017.
- ^ "First Noida-Greater Noida Metro train to arrive in December". The Times of India. 15 October 2017.
- ^ Staff Reporter (8 November 2017). "DMRC completes viaduct on Noida-Greater Noida corridor". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ "Noida gets metro coaches but test run faces delay". 14 December 2017.
- ^ "First Aqua line train arrives from China". The Times of India. 15 December 2017.
- ^ "You may be able to take a ride on Noida Metro in 3-4 months". The Times of India.
- ^ NYOOOZ. "Power infra in place, Noida Metro trials to start in April – Noida NYOOOZ". Archived from the original on 5 March 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
- ^ "दिसंबर से पहले शुरु हो जाएगी ऐक्वा मेट्रो, पहली बार ये होगा नया | Noida NYOOOZ".
- ^ "PM Modi may open Greater Noida, Ghaziabad metro on Christmas". The Times of India. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
- ^ "Fares announced for Noida Metro's Aqua Line, inauguration date awaited". The Times of India. 28 December 2018.
- ^ "Noida Metro extension may be delayed over funds as UP government looks at PPP model | Noida News - Times of India". The Times of India. 22 August 2019.
- ^ "Noida Metro Aqua Line all set for expansion with these 5 five metro stations; details here". June 2020.
- ^ "NMRC to soon finalise agency for construction of Aqua Line extension". 19 July 2020.
- ^ "STATIONS BETWEEN NOIDA-GREATER NOIDA". noidametrorail.com. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016.
- ^ Damini Nath (30 July 2014). "Noida Metro Projects Still Off-Track". The Hindu.
- ^ "Metro rail link between Noida and Greater Noida to be completed by 2017". India TV News. 2 May 2014.
- ^ "Metro Network Phase I, II, III & NCR" (PDF). Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (DMRC). February 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
- ^ "Greater Noida Authority approves phase 2 of Aqua Line". Moneycontrol. 4 December 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ "Aqua Line: Greater Noida link on fast track". The Times of India. 27 August 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ "New metro line in Noida-Gr Noida proposed to have 9 stations". The Economic Times. 3 December 2019. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ "Driverless pod car between Jewar airport & amusement park in Film City: Plan details". The Times of India. 7 September 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "Noida Metro: Extension Plan from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden Gains Momentum". News18. 3 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
- ^ "Noida Metro Submits Report For Approval Of 11.5-km Aqua Line extension. Check Areas It will Connect". TimesNow. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
- ^ a b Rajput, Vinod (3 September 2021). "Metro corridor to link Capital, Jewar airport". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ a b Shalabh (9 April 2021). "Greater Noida to Jewar airport in less than 25 minutes? DMRC to ready plan". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ a b "Noida Metro unveils first look of Aqua line trains". The Times of India. 5 December 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
- ^ "Solar power to make Noida Metro India's greenest". The Times of India. 12 October 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
External links
[edit]Noida Metro
View on GrokipediaHistory
Conception and Early Planning
The Noida Metro project was conceived in the early 2010s to mitigate severe traffic congestion in Noida and Greater Noida, regions experiencing rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and population influx following their establishment as planned extensions of Delhi in the 1970s. By 2013, escalating vehicular dependency on limited road networks, including the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, necessitated a mass rapid transit system, as highlighted by local authorities amid projections of sustained demographic expansion.[5] The Uttar Pradesh government identified a dedicated metro corridor as essential for economic connectivity, aiming to link residential, commercial, and industrial hubs while reducing reliance on the overburdened Delhi Metro branches.[6] In September 2013, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet granted in-principle approval for forming the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to independently manage planning, financing, and execution, distinct from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).[6] This followed directives from the central government in December 2013 urging the state to expedite NMRC's incorporation and appoint leadership by early 2014, emphasizing self-reliance in operations post-construction assistance from DMRC.[7] NMRC was officially incorporated on November 5, 2014, as a joint venture between the Noida Development Authority and Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, with equity contributions to fund the initial 29.7 km elevated Aqua Line corridor spanning 21 stations from Noida Sector 51 to Greater Noida Depot. Early planning focused on detailed project reports (DPRs), route alignment prioritizing elevated viaducts for cost efficiency and minimal land acquisition, and integration with existing transport nodes like the Delhi Metro's Blue Line at Botanical Garden. In October 2014, an MoU was signed with DMRC for turnkey consultancy on design, construction, and signaling, while the Uttar Pradesh government formally approved the ₹5,503 crore project (including land costs) that month, enabling foundation laying and tender processes by December.[8] [9] These steps reflected a pragmatic approach to public-private partnerships, though initial funding relied heavily on state guarantees amid challenges in attracting private investment due to projected ridership uncertainties.[10]Phase 1 Development and Launch
The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC), a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, was established to oversee the planning, construction, and operation of the Noida Metro network. Phase 1, consisting of the elevated Aqua Line corridor, received approval from the Uttar Pradesh government in October 2014, with foundation work laid that month and initial construction activities commencing by late December 2014.[9][1] The project aimed to connect Noida Sector 51—serving as an interchange with the Delhi Metro's Blue Line—to the Greater Noida Depot Station, addressing rapid urbanization and traffic congestion in the region.[11] Construction progressed rapidly, with the 29.7 km corridor featuring 21 stations built at a total cost of ₹5,503 crore. Key milestones included the completion of initial viaduct and station works in record time by February 2016, though full system integration extended the timeline. The line was officially named the Aqua Line on 30 November 2016 by NMRC authorities. Safety certification from the Commission of Metro Rail Safety was granted on 21 December 2018, following trials that confirmed operational readiness despite earlier projections for a mid-2018 launch that were deferred due to integration challenges.[12][13][12] The corridor was inaugurated on 25 January 2019 by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who flagged off the first train from the Greater Noida Depot Station amid public fanfare. Commercial operations commenced immediately thereafter, marking the operational debut of an independent metro system for Noida and Greater Noida, separate from the Delhi Metro network. Initial ridership data reflected strong uptake, with the line providing driverless trains on standard gauge tracks equipped for automatic train control.[14][11][12]Phase 2 Implementation and Initial Extensions
Phase 2 of the Noida Metro, approved by the Uttar Pradesh government on December 4, 2018, involves a approximately 15 km elevated extension featuring nine stations, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,602 crore. The corridor is designed to branch from the existing Aqua Line near Sector 51, serving underdeveloped areas including Noida Sectors 122 and 123 before connecting to Greater Noida stations such as Sector 4, Ecotech-12, and Sector 2, ultimately aiming toward Knowledge Park V. This development seeks to enhance connectivity to residential and industrial zones in western Greater Noida, but progress has been hampered by financial viability concerns flagged in August 2019 and subsequent revisions.[15][16] By December 2019, the state cabinet endorsed a two-phase rollout for a broader 17.4 km, 11-station extension variant, with Phase 1 covering 9.6 km from near Sector 51 to Greater Noida Sector 2 and Phase 2 adding 7.8 km to Knowledge Park V (Sector 5), at a projected Rs 2,992 crore. As of September 2025, the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) reaffirmed these plans, but construction remains pending detailed approvals and design finalization, with tenders for civil maintenance indicating preparatory works but no viaduct or station groundwork reported. Delays stem from environmental clearances, alignment adjustments, and funding alignments, pushing timelines beyond initial post-2020 targets.[2][17][18] Initial extensions include a 2.6 km spur from the existing Depot station to the proposed Boraki multi-modal transport hub, granted central government approval on July 24, 2025, with an expected completion within three years to support integration with regional rail and bus networks. This segment represents the first tangible advancement in physical expansion, prioritizing logistics over passenger volume initially. Complementary infrastructure, such as the air-conditioned skywalk bridging Aqua Line Sector 51 and Delhi Metro Blue Line Sector 52, opened on October 2, 2025, reducing transfer times despite not extending the track itself.[19][20][21]Post-2020 Expansions and Delays
Following the operationalization of the Noida Metro's Aqua Line in January 2019, the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) advanced plans for Phase 2 extensions to enhance connectivity to Greater Noida and integrate with the Delhi Metro network. In December 2019, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved a 29.7 km extension from Noida Sector 51 to Knowledge Park V, featuring 21 stations and divided into two phases: Phase 1 from Sector 51 to Greater Noida Sector 2 (11.4 km with 8 stations), and Phase 2 from Greater Noida Sector 2 to Knowledge Park V (5.8 km with 4 stations). This project aimed to serve high-density residential and industrial areas but faced implementation delays due to land acquisition challenges and funding constraints.[2][22] A parallel extension project from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden, covering 11.56 km with 8 elevated stations, was prioritized for interchange with Delhi Metro's Blue Line, improving regional linkages. Approved as part of broader infrastructure upgrades, construction preparations advanced slowly post-2020, with NMRC announcing in February 2025 that work would commence within months, though actual groundbreaking remained pending as of September 2025 amid coordination with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Tenders for viaducts and stations in this corridor were issued, but progress was slowed by technical reviews and seamless connectivity requirements.[4][22][23] By September 2025, NMRC confirmed a refined 17.4 km extension of the Aqua Line from Sector 61 (interchange point) to Knowledge Park V, incorporating 11 new stations including Sector 62, Sector 65, Ecotech 12, and Greater Noida sectors 2, 4, and 5, to directly benefit Greater Noida West residents. This update followed multiple tender reissues, including a fourth flotation in June 2021 for initial segments, attributed to bidder responsiveness and financial viability assessments exacerbated by post-COVID ridership recovery. Phase 1 approval for the Sector 51 to Greater Noida Sector 2 segment was anticipated by late 2025, with full operationalization projected beyond 2027 pending central funding and public-private partnerships.[17][24][2]Current Network
Aqua Line Operations
The Aqua Line, the operational backbone of the Noida Metro system managed by the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC), began passenger services on January 25, 2019, following inauguration by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.[2] This fully elevated line extends 29.7 kilometers, connecting 21 stations from Noida Sector 51 in the west to Greater Noida Depot in the east, facilitating commuter access across Noida, Noida Extension, and Greater Noida regions.[25] [26] Trains operate daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:45 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with Sunday services commencing at 8:00 AM and concluding at the same evening endpoint; exact first and last train departures vary slightly by station to account for end-to-end travel times of about 45 minutes.[27] [28] Peak-hour frequency stands at 5 to 10 minutes, reducing to 15 minutes or more during off-peak periods, enabling a designed daily capacity of 200,000 to 250,000 passengers supported by a fleet of air-conditioned trains.[25] [28] Early operations in 2019 featured 10-minute peak intervals, with subsequent adjustments to meet rising demand, including trials for denser scheduling.[29] Ridership has expanded significantly since launch, registering 155% growth over the first five years through 2024, driven by urban development and integration with local transport hubs, though actual volumes remain below full capacity amid regional traffic patterns and economic factors.[30] Fare structure ranges from ₹10 to ₹50 based on distance, with smart card incentives promoting regular usage.[3] Operational reliability benefits from automated signaling and maintenance protocols, minimizing disruptions, though the line's isolated network limits broader Delhi-NCR connectivity pending extensions.[26]Station Details and Layout
The Aqua Line comprises 21 elevated stations over a 29.7 km route from Noida Sector 51 in the north to Depot in Greater Noida in the south.[2][31] All stations are constructed on viaducts, enabling the line to traverse urban and semi-urban areas with minimal land acquisition.[16] The standard station layout includes two parallel tracks with side platforms at the elevated level, connected to ground-level concourses via escalators, elevators, and staircases for passenger access and accessibility.[32] Noida Sector 51 serves as the northern terminal and primary interchange point with the Delhi Metro Blue Line, facilitating connectivity to central Delhi.[28] The Depot station at the southern end adjoins the maintenance facility in Greater Noida Sector 34, supporting operational efficiency through direct train stabling and servicing.[2] Intermediate stations, such as Pari Chowk and Knowledge Park II, feature typical configurations optimized for high passenger throughput, including paid areas with platform screen doors compatible with the driverless trains.[25]| Station Name | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Noida Sector 51 | Noida | Terminal, Interchange |
| Noida Sector 50 | Noida | Intermediate |
| Noida Sector 76 | Noida | Intermediate |
| Noida Sector 101 | Noida | Intermediate |
| Noida Sector 81 | Noida | Intermediate |
| NSEZ | Noida | Intermediate |
| Noida Sector 83 | Noida | Intermediate |
| Noida Sector 137 | Noida | Intermediate |
| Noida Sector 142 | Noida | Intermediate |
| Noida Sector 148 | Noida | Intermediate |
| Knowledge Park II | Greater Noida | Intermediate |
| Pari Chowk | Greater Noida | Intermediate |
| Alpha 1 | Greater Noida | Intermediate |
| Delta 1 | Greater Noida | Intermediate |
| GNIDA Office | Greater Noida | Intermediate |
| Depot | Greater Noida | Terminal |
