Noida: Commuters in Noida and Greater Noida are poised for a major improvement in connectivity, with the Aqua Line of the Noida Metro preparing for a substantial extension. The project, stretching from Sector 61 in Noida to Knowledge Park V in Greater Noida West, is expected to ease congestion and directly benefit more than four lakh passengers.

The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has drawn up the proposal, which will be carried out in two phases and is currently awaiting clearance from the Public Investment Board. Once approved, the expansion will introduce 11 new stations, strengthening last-mile connectivity across the rapidly developing residential, commercial and institutional zones of Noida Extension.

At present, the Aqua Line runs between Sector 51 and Greater Noida Depot, with work already under way on an extension to Sector 142. Under the new plan, the first phase will extend services from Sector 51 to Sector 2, while the second will carry the line further to Sector 5 in Greater Noida.

The proposed stretch will cover 17.4 kilometres, including 3.3 kilometres within Noida with three stations, and 14.1 kilometres within Greater Noida with eight stations. The estimated cost is pegged at Rs 2,991 crore, to be jointly borne by the two cities, with Noida contributing 33 per cent and Greater Noida shouldering 67 per cent, alongside central grants and other funding channels. Once operational, the corridor is expected to handle nearly 1.23 lakh passengers daily.

Following the PIB’s approval, a detailed presentation is scheduled for late November or early December. Construction is anticipated to begin within three months of the clearance, with completion targeted in the next three to four years.