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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Infrastructure Challenges Ahead

Despite the promise, there are hurdles:

1. Land Acquisition Bottlenecks
   Acquiring private land (~7,600 sq m) could spark compensation disputes and delay construction.
2. Rising Construction Costs
   Inflation, material costs, and potential contractor disputes may escalate budgets.
3. Metro‑RRTS Integration Complexities
   Engineering seamless interchange with the Rapid Rail platform across Link Road at Sahibabad involves significant redesigns.
4. Funding Uncertainties
   Central funding depends on Phase‑V being greenlit fully — which may be influenced by upcoming general elections.

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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.

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Other Metro Corridors Proposed Under Phase-V

DMRC’s Phase-V expansion includes four Ghaziabad metro corridors:

1. Noida Electronic City to Sahibabad (Blue Line) – this proposal
2. Vaishali to Mohan Nagar (Blue Line extension)
3. Shaheed Sthal to Ghaziabad Railway Station (Red Line infill)
4. 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.

Cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly accessible in India—now, you can start investing in Bitcoin with as little as ₹100. Here’s how the landscape has evolved and why this is a game-changer:

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Fractional Ownership of Bitcoin

Unlike a whole Bitcoin, which costs around ₹1.05 crore today, the cryptocurrency can be bought in fractions (called satoshis). This allows investors to enter the market with minimal amounts. Platforms like CoinDCX, Mudrex, Unocoin, WazirX, Flitpay, and CoinSwitch support purchases as low as ₹100

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How to Buy with ₹100: Step-by-Step

Here’s a simplified guide using any of the major Indian exchanges:

1. Choose a Crypto Exchange
   Select a trusted platform like CoinDCX, WazirX, or Unocoin—all allow ₹100 minimum purchases
2. Sign Up and Complete KYC
   You’ll typically submit your PAN, Aadhaar, and a selfie to comply with Indian regulations
3. Deposit ₹100 INR
   Use UPI, IMPS, or net banking to deposit the money into your exchange wallet
4. Buy Bitcoin
   Go to the Bitcoin (BTC) page, enter ₹100, and buy. You’ll receive a fraction of a Bitcoin accordingly
5. Store Securely
   Keep your BTC in the platform’s wallet or transfer to a cold wallet for enhanced security.

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Start a Systematic Bitcoin Plan

Many exchanges like Unocoin and Mudrex offer Systematic Buying Plans (SIPs) or recurring buys, letting you invest ₹100 daily, weekly, or monthly. This helps average out volatility and build holdings over time

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Benefits of Micro-Investing

• Beginner-Friendly: Low-risk entry for crypto newcomers
• Portfolio Diversification: Helps spread investments across assets
• Dollar-Cost Averaging: Reduces market timing risks
• Build Discipline: Start small and gradually scale

ZebPay highlights that fractional ownership empowers individuals to invest even with limited funds

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Points to Watch

• Platform Fees: Small investments could be disproportionately affected by transaction fees—choose low-cost platforms
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Cryptocurrencies aren’t legal tender in India, though buying/selling is allowed; tax rules apply
• Volatility Risk: Bitcoin prices are highly volatile—invest only what you can afford to lose

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Why ₹100 Matters in the Big Picture

Even tiny investments can compound over time. For example, ₹100 monthly SIPs could grow significantly during bull cycles. Plus, they help new users get comfortable with the market mechanics before scaling up.

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Final Takeaway

Thanks to fractional Bitcoin and user-friendly Indian platforms, you no longer need large capital to start. With just ₹100, you can:

• Start building crypto exposure
• Experience hands-on how buying, storing, and selling works
• Leverage SIPs to manage volatility and grow steadily

Just choose a reliable crypto exchange, do your KYC, invest ₹100, and begin your crypto journey today!

In a historic move, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), India’s largest FMCG company, has announced that Priya Nair will become its new CEO and MD starting August 2025. This marks the first time a woman will lead the ₹6 lakh crore market cap giant.

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Who is Priya Nair?

Priya Nair is a seasoned business leader known for her sharp marketing acumen and visionary leadership. Currently serving as Executive Director & Chief Marketing Officer, she has been a part of HUL for over 25 years.

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Her Journey at HUL

Joining HUL in the 1990s, Priya Nair quickly rose through the ranks:

• Spearheaded major brand revamps for Dove and Lux
• Led market-defining campaigns that connected deeply with Indian consumers
• Known for driving sustainability and purpose-led initiatives

Her strong focus on consumer insights and brand-building has been central to HUL’s continued growth.

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The Significance of Her Appointment

Priya’s appointment shatters the glass ceiling in India’s corporate world, inspiring countless aspiring women leaders. At a time when gender diversity at the top remains a challenge, this milestone is a huge step forward for inclusivity in corporate India.

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Replacing Rohit Jawa: The Leadership Transition

Rohit Jawa, who took over as CEO and MD in 2023, will be stepping down in August 2025. Under his leadership, HUL strengthened its digital transformation and expanded its rural market footprint. The transition is expected to be smooth, with both leaders working closely to ensure continuity.

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What This Means for HUL

• Continued focus on innovation and digital growth
• Stronger emphasis on sustainability and purpose-driven brands
• Potential acceleration in women leadership development programs
  This leadership change signals a new era for HUL as it aims to solidify its position not just as an FMCG giant, but as a progressive, future-ready organization.

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Market Reactions and Future Expectations

Market analysts and investors have largely welcomed the announcement. HUL’s shares have remained stable, signaling confidence in Priya’s leadership. Many expect her to drive further premiumization of brands and expand international collaborations.