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Metro Boost for Ghaziabad: DMRC Proposes Blue Line Expansion from Noida — Full Details
The National Capital Region (NCR) is set for a major metro connectivity upgrade as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) proposes a 5.1–5.8 km Blue Line extension from Noida Electronic City (Sector 62) to Sahibabad in Ghaziabad. This move could drastically cut travel time, reduce congestion at key Delhi interchange stations, and finally give Ghaziabad residents direct metro access to Noida.
But what exactly is being proposed, who will benefit, and what are the potential roadblocks? Here’s everything you need to know.
The Current Problem
As it stands, Ghaziabad and Noida — despite being only 10–12 km apart — have no direct metro line connecting them. Commuters must take the Blue Line through Delhi, changing trains at Yamuna Bank or Rajiv Chowk, or navigate congested roads.
This adds 30–45 minutes extra to otherwise short intercity commutes. With Ghaziabad’s population crossing 20 lakhs and many tech workers living in Indirapuram or Vasundhara but working in Noida, the demand for a direct metro link has long been growing.
What the DMRC Is Proposing
After shelving two older route options in 2018 and 2020 due to budget constraints, DMRC has submitted a revised plan in early 2024, which includes:
- An elevated metro extension of approximately 5.83 km from Noida Sector 62 to Sahibabad
- 5 proposed stations:
- Vaibhav Khand
- DPS Indirapuram
- Shakti Khand
- Vasundhara Sector 5
- Sahibabad (to link with the Rapid Rail system)
- Estimated ridership: Over 1.25 lakh daily commuters within 2 years of completion
This plan is now a key part of DMRC’s Phase‑V expansion, which includes four new metro corridors in Ghaziabad.
The Budget: How Much Will It Cost?
The project isn’t cheap. Here’s how the numbers break down:
- Revised cost (2024): ₹1,866–1,873 crore (compared to ₹1,517 crore in 2018)
- Land acquisition: ₹223 crore (for ~26,000 sq meters, including 7,600 sq m private land)
- Construction cost: ~₹1,500 crore including stations, pillars, tracks, etc.
- Funding split:
- 80% from state agencies (Ghaziabad Development Authority, UP Housing Board)
- 20% from central government
- Additional loan assistance planned from NCR Planning Board
Multi‑Modal Connectivity: A Game-Changer
Perhaps the most exciting feature? The final station — Sahibabad — will offer direct integration with the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (RRTS) corridor that runs between Delhi and Meerut.
This means commuters from Noida could:
- Board at Sector 62 → Get off at Sahibabad → Switch to Rapid Rail → Reach Meerut in 35 minutes
- Or reach Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi via the same RapidX link, skipping road traffic altogether
The integration would be via a foot overbridge or integrated concourse, allowing seamless interchange without exiting platforms.
Timeline: When Will It Be Ready?
Here’s what we know so far:
- February 2024: DMRC submitted revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) to GDA
- Mid 2024: Expected GDA and state government approval
- Late 2024: Center’s financial nod (pending Phase-V rollout)
- 2025: Tendering and groundwork likely to begin
- Expected completion: By 2027, if funding and land acquisition remain on track
Keep in mind: this timeline is optimistic and subject to political approvals and budget releases.
Who Benefits the Most?
The proposed Blue Line extension will primarily benefit Ghaziabad and East Delhi residents who:
- Live in Indirapuram, Vaishali, Vasundhara, Shakti Khand, Vaibhav Khand, and Rajendra Nagar
- Work in Noida Sector 62–78 IT corridors
- Travel frequently to RapidX stations like Sahibabad, Ghaziabad RRTS, or Duhai
It’s expected to reduce car and cab usage significantly, easing pressure on Delhi’s arterial roads like NH‑9 and Link Road.
Infrastructure Challenges Ahead
Despite the promise, there are hurdles:
- Land Acquisition Bottlenecks
Acquiring private land (~7,600 sq m) could spark compensation disputes and delay construction. - Rising Construction Costs
Inflation, material costs, and potential contractor disputes may escalate budgets. - Metro‑RRTS Integration Complexities
Engineering seamless interchange with the Rapid Rail platform across Link Road at Sahibabad involves significant redesigns. - Funding Uncertainties
Central funding depends on Phase‑V being greenlit fully — which may be influenced by upcoming general elections.
Why Earlier Plans Were Shelved
The 2018 and 2020 proposals failed due to:
- High costs without clear integration to Rapid Rail
- Duplication of coverage with Vaishali–Mohan Nagar metro stretch
- Political disagreements over who would fund how much
This time, however, the integration with RRTS and inclusion in Phase‑V has strengthened the case.
Other Metro Corridors Proposed Under Phase-V
DMRC’s Phase-V expansion includes four Ghaziabad metro corridors:
- Noida Electronic City to Sahibabad (Blue Line) – this proposal
- Vaishali to Mohan Nagar (Blue Line extension)
- Shaheed Sthal to Ghaziabad Railway Station (Red Line infill)
- Hindon Airport to Arthala (Pink Line via new Gokulpuri interchange)
Together, these aim to make Ghaziabad a major metro hub, reducing its historic dependence on Delhi junctions.