Noida: Botanical Garden has overtaken Kashmere Gate to become the busiest station in the Delhi Metro network, signalling a shift in commuter movement towards Noida.The Blue Line-Magenta Line interchange recorded an average daily footfall of 2.7 lakh passengers in June, ahead of Kashmere Gate’s 2.6 lakh, while Rajiv Chowk ranked third at 2.1 lakh. Officials said the surge reflects Noida’s growing importance as a residential and employment hub, with ridership expected to rise further once the station is linked to Aqua Line.For decades, Kashmere Gate and Rajiv Chowk dominated the rankings because of their central location and multiple interchanges. But expanding residential neighbourhoods, corporate hubs and seamless regional connectivity have steadily pushed commuter traffic towards Noida.The trend has been building for months. DMRC data shows Botanical Garden has held the top spot since March. It recorded average daily ridership of 2.6 lakh in March, 2.8 lakh in April, 2.6 lakh in May and 2.7 lakh in June, consistently staying ahead of Kashmere Gate and Rajiv Chowk.Its rise has been fuelled by its strategic position as the interchange between Blue and Magenta lines. While Blue Line connects commuters to Rajiv Chowk, Dwarka and other parts of Delhi, Magenta Line offers direct access to IGI Airport and south Delhi, making Botanical Garden a preferred transfer point for thousands every day.The station has also become the principal gateway for office-goers travelling to Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Every morning, commuters arriving from Delhi switch to shuttle services, app-based cabs and other modes to reach corporate campuses across sectors 125, 126, 127, 132, 135, 142 and adjoining business districts.Supporting infrastructure has reinforced its appeal. A multilevel parking facility with space for 7,000 vehicles encourages park-and-ride travel, while a dense network of taxis, bike taxis, autorickshaws and e-rickshaws ensures last-mile connectivity. Convenience stores, kiosks and food outlets have further strengthened the station’s position as one of Delhi Metro’s busiest commuter hubs.
