New Delhi: From college students to government officials and businessmen, commuters have started feeling a sigh of relief after the 24.82 Kilometer Magenta line officially opened for the public on Tuesday. Commuters lined up to take a ride, which now connects Botanical Garden in Noida to Janakpuri in West Delhi. Moreover, those commuting between Gurgaon and Noida can now save 40 minutes with travel time coming down to 50 minutes.
Previously, commuters had to reach Rajiv Chowk station from where they switched trains but now, a direct line means that it would be far more convenient to travel between south and West Delhi as well as between Gurgaon and Noida.
Fifty-year-old Sunil Bhatia, a resident of Noida who works at DLF tower in Gurugram, said he has travelled on the Delhi Metro ever since it extended to Noida.
"Earlier, I had to take a train from Noida and change it at Mandi house to go to Gurugram. Now, the journey that took 90 minutes can now be completed in just 50 minutes."
He further added that Noida and Faridabad have also come closer and those travelling to Faridabad will be able to change trains at Kalkaji Mandir and go directly to Faridabad, saving them a lot of time. "With this line, footfall at Noida's Botanical Garden station is expected to increase three times -- from 30,000 to one lakh passengers daily," said a DMRC official.
He added that once fully operational, the Magenta Line (Botanical Garden-Janakpuri West) will ferry approximately 3.60 lakh commuters every day.
For Aarti Kharbanda, a resident of Kalkaji, the main attraction of the new line is that she won't have to depend on cabs or her family members to travel to and from the airport.
"I have to travel for work almost weekly and had to depend on either family members or radio cabs to commute. With this line going to the airport and beyond, I can travel not just in the comfort and safety but won't have to depend on anyone," says the 34-year-old chartered accountant.