The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an 8.449-km extension of the Aqua Line Metro corridor from Noida Sector-51 to Greater Noida Sector-04, adding five elevated stations to the Noida Metro Rail network. The extension, approved under the Noida Metro Rail Project, will take the combined operational metro network in Noida and Greater Noida to 71.878 km once commissioned, according to an official statement.

The proposed corridor is expected to improve connectivity between residential, commercial and employment hubs across Noida and Greater Noida, while providing an interchange with the Delhi Metro Blue Line at Noida Sector-61.

The extension will connect several commercial establishments and office hubs, including Gaur City Mall, H&S Mall, Blue Sapphire Mall, IKEA and commercial spaces in Greater Noida Sector-04. It will also improve access to offices of companies such as Tech Mahindra and TCL Technologies, besides the Oil Industry Development Board.

The corridor is also expected to improve connectivity to educational institutions, including Delhi Public School in Noida Sector-122, and healthcare facilities such as Kailash Hospital, Rama Hospital and Cloud9 Hospital.

The government expects the additional metro connectivity to reduce dependence on road transport, ease traffic congestion and lower commuting time for residents and office-goers. Improved access to employment centres and commercial areas is also expected to support local economic activity and encourage investment along the corridor.

The government said the project would improve access to essential services and transport facilities while supporting the planned urban development of Noida and Greater Noida. The extension is part of efforts to expand the regional public transport network and address growing mobility requirements in the rapidly developing urban centres of the National Capital Region.