The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) granted approval to a comprehensive project report (DPR) aiming to extend its network to Noida Extension, featuring an interchange station on the Delhi Metro's Blue Line. Noida Extension, also recognised as Greater Noida West, is home to a substantial population lacking government-supported public transportation. Over the years, locals have voiced their demand for metro rail connectivity and bus services in the region through various demonstrations. The DPR outlines the expansion of the Aqua Line corridor from Noida Sector-51 station to Knowledge Park V (Greater Noida), spanning 17.43 kilometres with 11 proposed stations. The estimated cost for this project is Rs 29.916 billion, as stated by NMRC Managing Director Lokesh M. Highlighting the project's significance, Lokesh emphasised its role in connecting the existing operational Aqua Line to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's Blue Line at Sector-61 station. This connection is poised to offer faster and direct connectivity for commuters in Noida, Greater Noida West, and Greater Noida towards Noida and Delhi, and vice versa. The NMRC Board has given its nod to the DPR, and Lokesh stated that the next steps involve seeking approvals from the governments of Uttar Pradesh and India. The Noida Sector-61 station is identified as the interchange station facilitating the connection between NMRC's Aqua Line and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's Blue Line, Lokesh added. The proposed corridor will feature stations at Noida Sector-61, Sector-70, Sector-122, Sector-123, Greater Noida Sector-4, Ecotech 4, Greater Noida Sector 2, 3, 10, 12, and Greater Noida Knowledge Park-V, according to NMRC. Lokesh highlighted that the project will benefit commuters traveling through Vikas Marg and Noida-Greater Noida Link Road, providing relief from road traffic congestion. The extension will seamlessly connect commuters to the existing operational Aqua Line of NMRC and the Blue Line of DMRC. Additionally, plans are in progress for expanding the Noida Metro on two more corridors ? one between Botanical Garden Metro Station and Noida Sector-142 station, and the other as an extension from NMRC's Depot Station to Bodaki in Greater Noida, as per officials.