Union Cabinet approves Rs 77,101 crore package for metro extension, museum and fertilizer subsidy

The Union Cabinet approved a package of projects worth about Rs 77,101 crore. The package allocates Rs 2,390 crore for an 8.449-km elevated extension of the Noida-Greater Noida Aqua Line, linking Noida Sector 51 with Greater Noida Sector 4 and adding five new stations. The extension is expected to improve connectivity to residential, commercial and educational hubs and provide an interchange with the Delhi Metro’s Blue Line at Noida Sector 61.

The cabinet also approved Rs 3,230 crore for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the North and South Block complex in New Delhi. The museum will be built by adapting the historic buildings and will showcase India’s civilisational heritage across multiple themed galleries. It is planned to be developed in phases from the 2026-27 financial year, with the first gallery slated to open in the latter part of 2027.

In addition, the government set aside Rs 62,370 crore for Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates on phosphatic and potassic fertilizers for the Rabi 2026-27 season, covering October 2026 to March 2027. The subsidy aims to keep these fertilizers affordable for farmers amid international price fluctuations.

The cabinet also extended the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (Rs 5,000 crore corpus) and the Stand-Up India scheme until March 2031, seeking to boost credit access for micro-enterprises and entrepreneurs from women, SC and ST communities.

"The extension will reduce road congestion, cut travel times and support commercial activity around the new stations," a government spokesperson said.

"The museum will become a major cultural and tourism destination, attracting domestic and international visitors," the ministry of culture noted.

"The fertilizer subsidy will help ensure availability of essential inputs to farmers at affordable prices," the agriculture ministry explained.