Noida: Commuters travelling between Noida’s Sector 51 and Sector 52 Metro stations now have a major reason to cheer. The city’s first air-conditioned skywalk connecting the two stations has opened, making the interchange considerably easier and reducing the time required to walk between the two metro stations.
The skywalk allows passengers to cover the distance in around 6–7 minutes, compared with the 12–15 minutes it previously took to walk between the stations. The facility provides a covered connection between the Aqua Line’s Sector 51 station and the Delhi Metro Blue Line’s Sector 52 station.
Relief for metro commuters
Until now, passengers switching between the two metro networks had to walk around half a kilometre along the road. The journey could be particularly uncomfortable during extreme heat, rain and winter conditions.
With the new air-conditioned skywalk, commuters can now make the transfer without having to come down to the road level. The facility is designed to provide a more comfortable and safer connection between the two metro corridors.
The new link is expected to particularly benefit passengers travelling between Noida, Greater Noida and Delhi who need to switch between the Aqua Line and Blue Line.
Skywalk equipped with modern facilities
The enclosed skywalk has been equipped with facilities aimed at making the interchange more convenient for passengers. It includes travelators, lifts and air-conditioning, providing a weather-protected route between the two stations. The structure is approximately 400–460 metres long, depending on how the connected route is measured.
Both Sector 51 and Sector 52 stations have separate entry and exit routes for the skywalk. Officials said this arrangement has been planned to prevent congestion by separating passenger movement in both directions.
Project faced delays
The facility has been a long-awaited project for Noida commuters. Construction began in June 2023 and was initially expected to be completed within six months. However, the project faced significant delays before finally becoming available to passengers.
The Noida Authority had earlier faced challenges related to the connection between the two metro stations. Reports said an obstruction at Sector 52 Metro station also had to be addressed before the skywalk could become operational.
The skywalk has been opened on a trial basis for passengers, with an official inauguration expected soon. The facility is also expected to encourage greater use of the Aqua Line by making interchange with the Blue Line more convenient.
Krishna Karunesh, CEO, Noida Authority
First-day issues highlighted by commuters
While commuters welcomed the new facility, some initial operational issues were reported on the first day. Passengers reportedly had difficulty finding the correct route as dedicated staff were not deployed to guide them at the entry points.
One of the travelators was also reportedly non-operational on the first day. These issues are expected to be addressed as the facility moves towards regular operations.
Cleanliness around Sector 52 station remains a concern
The opening of the skywalk has also brought attention to cleanliness around the Sector 52 Metro station.
The RWA of Noida’s Sector 51 CDE Block has raised concerns over garbage and poor cleanliness in the area outside the station. RWA representatives have urged the concerned departments to take immediate action, particularly with large numbers of visitors expected to use the metro network during the festive season.
For thousands of daily commuters, the new skywalk is expected to make one of Noida’s most inconvenient metro interchanges significantly easier, faster and more comfortable.