Cabinet approves 8.45-km Aqua Line extension from Noida Sector 51 to Greater Noida Sector 4

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved an 8.449-km extension of the Aqua Line Metro corridor from Noida Sector 51 to Greater Noida Sector 4. The project, estimated to cost Rs 2,390 crore, will have five elevated stations and is expected to improve connectivity between Noida and Greater Noida.

Announcing the decision, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the extension would benefit thousands of commuters, particularly those working in IT companies and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) located along the route.

"A new project has been approved today that extends this line, starting from Sector 51 in Noida, all the way to Sector 4 in Greater Noida. Many IT companies and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are established in this area, and they will all benefit from this connectivity. Furthermore, the extension of the Aqua Line will provide better access to airports from various parts of the Delhi region," Vaishnaw told reporters.

He also highlighted the development of a major multimodal transport hub, including a mega railway terminal, in the area. Vaishnaw said investments in metro infrastructure over the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had benefited middle-class families, the poor and young people, while providing women with a safe mode of transport.

Once operational, the new stretch will take the combined active Metro network in Noida and Greater Noida to 71.878 km. It will also provide an interchange facility with the Blue Line at Noida Sector 61, improving access to other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).

Commercial hubs, IT parks and residential areas to benefit

The extension is expected to connect several commercial centres, office complexes, educational institutions, hospitals and residential areas that currently have limited metro access.

Key commercial destinations along the stretch include Gaur City Mall, H&S Mall, Blue Sapphire Mall and commercial spaces in Greater Noida Sector 4. The route will also improve access to IKEA in Noida Sector 51 and Anthurium Mall in Sector 73.

Several major companies and offices, including Tech Mahindra in Sector 60, TCL Tech in Sector 60, the Oil Industry Development Board in Sector 73 and Golden I's office and commercial complex in Greater Noida Sector 4, are also expected to benefit.

Educational institutions such as Delhi Public School in Sector 122 will gain better connectivity. Healthcare facilities, including Kailash Hospital, Rama Hospital in Sectors 70 and 62, and Cloud9 Hospital in Sector 51, will also become more accessible.

The project is expected to improve metro access for residents of major housing complexes, including Cleo County in Sector 122 and Gaur City 1 and 2 in Greater Noida Sector 4.

Expected to ease traffic and reduce pollution

The extension is expected to offer commuters an alternative to road transport, helping reduce traffic congestion and travel time while improving road safety. With more people using the metro, the project is also expected to lower dependence on fossil fuel-based vehicles and reduce carbon emissions.

Improved connectivity with major transport hubs, including Delhi's airport, railway stations and bus depots, is expected to make daily travel easier for residents and working professionals.

The new corridor is also expected to support local businesses, attract investments and encourage development around the proposed stations. Better access to workplaces, educational institutions and healthcare facilities is likely to benefit residents across different sections of society.

The project marks a significant expansion of the Noida Metro network and is expected to play an important role in improving urban mobility and supporting the growing infrastructure needs of Noida and Greater Noida.

(With ANI inputs)