Aqua Line Extension: ₹2,390 Crore Approved for 8.449 km Noida–Greater Noida Corridor

The news

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a ₹2,390 crore extension of the Aqua Line Metro corridor, connecting Noida Sector 51 with Greater Noida Sector 4. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 11, 2026, and is expected to benefit commuters travelling between the two cities.

The proposed extension will cover 8.449 km and comprise five elevated stations, according to an official statement. Once operational, the combined active metro network of Noida and Greater Noida will span 71.878 km. The corridor is also expected to improve connectivity with the Delhi Metro network through an interchange with the Blue Line at Noida Sector 61, giving commuters access to a wider network across the National Capital Region.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the decision in a post on X, saying the extension would improve access to offices, schools, hospitals and commercial hubs while reducing traffic congestion and travel time. The project is expected to benefit employees at companies such as Tech Mahindra and TCL Tech in Noida Sector 60, as well as visitors to malls including Gaur City Mall, H&S Mall, Blue Sapphire Mall and IKEA at Noida Sector 51. Schools such as Delhi Public School in Noida Sector 122 and hospitals including Kailash Hospital, Cloud9 Hospital and Rama Hospital are among the key establishments identified as potential beneficiaries. Residential areas such as Cleo County in Noida Sector 122 and Gaur City 1 and 2 in Greater Noida are also expected to gain from the expansion.

Which law governs metro rail projects in India?

Metro rail projects in India are governed by the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978, and the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002. The 1978 Act was enacted to facilitate the construction of metro railways in metropolitan cities, while the 2002 Act provides the legal framework for their operation and maintenance. The Delhi Metro, which the Aqua Line will connect with, was the first modern metro system in India, with construction beginning in 1998 and the first section opening in 2002. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) was later established in 2013 to implement regional rapid transit systems across the NCR.

What is the Aqua Line and why is it being extended?

The Aqua Line is a metro corridor serving Noida and Greater Noida. The approved extension between Noida Sector 51 and Greater Noida Sector 4 is intended to strengthen public transport connectivity between the two growing urban centres, which have residential areas, offices, schools and hospitals spread across multiple sectors. The project approval should not be confused with completion or operational service.

How will the extension improve connectivity and what are its expected benefits?

The 8.449 km corridor with five elevated stations will provide a direct metro link between the two cities. A planned interchange at Noida Sector 61 will connect passengers to the Delhi Metro Blue Line, giving access to a wider network across the National Capital Region. The extension is expected to reduce dependence on road-based transport, ease traffic congestion and shorten commute times. The project document also highlights potential environmental benefits, with greater reliance on metro services expected to lower carbon emissions compared with conventional fossil-fuel-based transport.