In a landmark development for public transportation in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has proposed an extension of the Blue Line metro to Ghaziabad, which is expected to transform daily commute for thousands of residents across Noida and Ghaziabad.

The project aims to provide a more seamless and time-efficient transport corridor, reduce congestion on major roads, and enhance access to key infrastructure hubs, including the Hindon Civil Airport. The expansion will also bring previously unconnected areas such as Loni and Arthala into the metro grid.

DMRC Seeks GDA’s In-Principle Approval

As part of its next phase of metro development, DMRC has formally requested approval from the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) to start preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Once this green signal is received, the planning and funding phases will commence, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for metro infrastructure in eastern NCR.

This project is expected to relieve traffic stress on heavily used roads, promote environmentally friendly commuting alternatives, and spur commercial growth in the newly connected regions.

Proposed Corridors and Key Extensions

According to preliminary proposals, the DMRC has outlined four major corridors across Red, Blue, and Pink Lines, which include both elevated and underground stretches.

Below is a breakdown of the proposed extensions:

• Red Line Extension:

  • Route: New Bus Adda to Ghaziabad Railway Station

  • Distance: 3 km

  • Stations: 1 new station

• Blue Line Extension 1:

  • Route: Noida Sector 62 to Sahibabad

  • Distance: 5.1 km elevated

  • Stations: 5, including Indirapuram, Shakti Khand, and Vasundhara Sector 5

• Blue Line Extension 2:

  • Route: Vaishali to Mohan Nagar

  • Distance: 4 km elevated

  • Stations: 4, including Prahlad Garhi, Vasundhara Sector 14

• Pink Line-Red Line Link:

  • Route: Gokulpuri to Arthala

  • Distance: 12 km total (4 km underground, 8 km elevated)

  • Stations: 8, including Hindon Civil Terminal

These corridors are intended not just to expand the reach of the metro but also to create linkages between lines, improving passenger transfer points and reducing travel times.

Direct Airport Access & Loni Connectivity

Among the most transformative aspects of the plan is the direct metro connectivity to the Hindon Civil Airport. This initiative is expected to dramatically ease air travel access for both Noida and Ghaziabad residents, eliminating the need for long road commutes.

Additionally, Loni, which has remained underserved in terms of public transit, will finally come under the Delhi Metro network, thanks to the Gokulpuri-Arthala Pink Line extension. This will significantly improve last-mile connectivity and reduce congestion along the Delhi-Ghaziabad border.

Cost Estimates and Economic Implications

The estimated construction cost for the expansion is ₹300 crore per kilometre, leading to a total projected budget of ₹7,500 crore for the 25 km of proposed corridors.

This massive capital infusion into NCR's urban transport will not only generate employment during the construction phase but also stimulate economic growth in underdeveloped or congested zones.

Interestingly, a previously planned Noida Electronic City to Sahibabad stretch, estimated at ₹1,873 crore, was scrapped in 2018 due to funding issues. However, with renewed interest and backing from both state and central authorities, the current proposal is expected to proceed faster.

Next Steps: Approval, Planning, and Execution

The project now hinges on the GDA’s approval for DPR preparation, following which DMRC will:

1. Prepare the DPR detailing alignment, construction phases, station placement, and cost modelling

2. Seek necessary clearances from state and central agencies

3. Secure funding through a combination of government grants, state allocations, and institutional financing

Once construction begins, phased execution will be prioritised to ensure early relief to high-density commuter zones.

Broader Impact on the Region

The proposed metro expansion is more than just a transport project — it is a strategic investment in regional development. By linking key residential, commercial, and transit zones, the extended Blue Line will:

• Encourage real estate development in currently underutilised areas

• Reduce vehicular emissions, supporting India’s climate action goals

• Facilitate seamless intercity movement, especially during peak hours

The inclusion of underserved zones like Loni and Hindon will bring inclusive growth to parts of Ghaziabad previously left out of metro planning, thus balancing urban development across the NCR.

Conclusion

The DMRC's Blue Line extension proposal marks a major step forward in solving NCR’s traffic and connectivity challenges. By targeting key growth corridors, integrating with existing lines, and focusing on airport and border-town access, the plan is poised to redefine how Ghaziabad and Noida residents commute daily.

If the Ghaziabad Development Authority grants the go-ahead for the Detailed Project Report, it would be the first official move toward what could become one of the largest metro expansions in NCR in recent years.

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