Transport connectivity for Noida-Greater Noida got a major boost when UP CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Noida Metro Rail Corporation's (NMRC) 29.7-km Noida-Greater Noida metro corridor at the Sector 137 station in Noida. In addition to inaugurating the Noida-Greater Noida metro corridor, Yogi made another very big announcement. "Will soon give metro connectivity to Ghaziabad too," Yogi revealed from the stage during his address prior to the inauguration of NMRC's Noida-Greater Noida metro corridor. Taking a dig at previous governments, Yogi said, "Earlier, some people used to ask me - will you come to Noida. I used to say - why not. Is Noida not in UP?" He added sarcastically, "Some people who had no faith in God were too scared to lose CM chair if they visit Noida." However, the biggest revelation by Yogi was the announcement that the government plans to bring metro connectivity to Kanpur, Agra, and Meerut as well.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

According to reports, the total length of the two corridors of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project is 32.38 kms and the completion cost is Rs 16,192 crore - This doesn't include the land cost and state taxes, Moreover, the total length of the Agra metro stretch is 30km. Its completion cost is Rs 12,253 crore. And, this too will also have two corridors.

Noida-Greater Noida metro corridor

The 21-station and 29.07-km Noida-Greater Noida metro corridor stretch was completed in record time in December 2018. It was conceptualized in June 2017. It will run from Noida Sector 51 to Depot Metro Station. The metro project's sanction cost was Rs 5,503 crore in which the Modi government had 20 per cent equity. 

The Aqua Line, whose construction started in May 2015 and was completed in record time, was initially expected to be opened for public in November and then December in 2018.  The trains are designed to run at a maximum speed of 80 kmph, clocking an average speed of 37.5 kmph.

Fare

The lowest ticket price for travelling by Aqua Line would be Rs 10 and the highest Rs 50. Passengers can buy QR-coded paper tickets or use smart cards on the 29.7-km-long Noida-Greater Noida metro network. Smart card users will get a 10 per cent concession on fares. According to an official statement, travelling one station would cost Rs 10 on an QR-coded ticket and Rs 9 via smart card; 2 km would cost Rs 15 on ticket and Rs 13.50 on smart card; 3 to 6 km would cost Rs 20 via ticket and Rs 18 on smart card; 7 to 9 km would cost Rs 30 on ticket and Rs 27 on smart card.

Stations

There are a total of 21 stations on the Noida-Greater Noida metro corridor. Out of these 21, 15 are in Noida and six in Greater Noida. The Aqua Line would run between the Sector 51 station in Noida and the Depot Station in Greater Noida. 

From Noida, the metro will begin from Sector 51 and halt at Sector 50, 76, 101, 81, NSEZ, Sector 83, 137, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, and then at Greater Noida's Knowledge Park II, Pari Chowk, Alpha 1, Delta 1, GNIDA Office and Depot metro stations. 

However, interchange stations of the DMRC-operated Blue Line and the NMRC's Aqua Line are a major concern.

Last-mile connectivity through feeder bus, e-rickshaw

The Noida-Greater Noida Aqua Line stations will have a metro feeder bus service too. This will ensure last-mile connectivity. As of now, it has 50 air-conditioned feeder buses. Moreover, tenders have already been floated to begin e-rickshaw services to provide last-mile connectivity to passengers from metro stations to a distance up to four kms.

A dedicated space has been provided for wheelchair in driving trailer cars at both the ends of the trains.