The Public Investment Board (PIB) has approved the proposed extension of Noida’s Metro’s Aqua Line from Sector 51 to Knowledge Park-V in Greater Noida. The board under the finance ministry has approved Rs 2,197 crore for the 14.9-km metro link which would ensure greater connectivity for Noida residents.
The approval by the PIB comes two years after the Uttar Pradesh government approved the detailed project report (DPR) of the Aqua Line extension corridor. The plan will now be sent to the Union Cabinet for a final approval, after which work on the project would start.
“The PIB approval for extending the existing Metro route in Noida and Greater Noida is an important step in infrastructure development. Now, the NMRC will float tenders to select a contractor for the project. We hope that the government will give its final approval in about two months’ time,” NMRC executive director Anand Vardhan told the media.
“We had sent a proposal for the approval of Rs 2,400 crore for the Metro extension project. But, the PIB asked us to make some amendments and it has now approved a budget of Rs 2,197 crore,” he added.
To be developed in two phases, the extension corridor is expected to have 9 stations, including Sector 122, Sector 123, Greater Noida Sector 4, Ecotech, Greater Noida Sector 2, Greater Noida Sector 3, Greater Noida Sector 10, Greater Noida Sector 12 and Knowledge Park V.
The existing Aqua Line network is 29.7-km long and runs between Noida and Greater Noida. Another proposed extension for the Aqua Line is from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden, a development that would strengthen the connectivity network with the Noida region.