Delhi Metro Yellow Line to Extend to Sonipat: MoHUA Approves Expansion

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, confirmed in a written statement in the Lok Sabha that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has approved the extension of the Delhi Metro Yellow Line from Samaypur Badli to Sonepat via Nathupur. With this approval, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is expected to commence work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) soon, marking a significant step in expanding Delhi’s metro network.

Sonepat is rapidly emerging as a real estate hub, strategically positioned on the northern periphery of Delhi. With a fast-growing industrial landscape and improved infrastructure, the city is transitioning from a Tier-2 town into a preferred destination for investors and businesses. Enhanced connectivity through major highways like the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, the proposed Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), and the recently approved metro extension from Delhi to Sonepat has further increased its appeal.

Sonepat’s attractiveness lies in its affordable property prices and lower cost of living, making it an ideal destination for mid-income housing and commercial developments. Recent infrastructure advancements, including planned smart industrial parks and logistics hubs as part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), are driving large-scale investments. The upcoming ₹18,000 crore Maruti Suzuki manufacturing plant is set to boost employment and attract a skilled workforce, increasing demand for both residential and commercial properties.

According to data analytics firm PropEquity, housing sales in India’s top 30 Tier-II cities grew by 11% in FY 2023-24, reaching approximately 2.08 lakh units. This surge underscores the strong demand for residential properties, driven by economic growth, infrastructure development, and the rising aspiration of middle-class families to own homes.

Housing Sales Growth in North Zone

Housing unit sales in cities like Bhiwadi, Jaipur, Mohali, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ludhiana, Agra, Sonepat, Panipat, and Amritsar reached 26,308 units in 2023-24, marking an 8% increase from 24,273 units in 2022-23.

Industry Experts on Sonepat’s Growth

Commenting on the city’s evolving landscape, Madhur Gupta, CEO of Hero Realty, stated, “Strategically located Sonepat is rapidly emerging as a real estate powerhouse in the NCR region, supported by world-class infrastructure. The KMP Expressway, upcoming Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and Sonepat’s status as a key education hub in North India are further driving its growth. The forthcoming Rapid Rail Transit System will enhance connectivity, solidifying Sonepat’s key role in the NCR real estate sector. Earlier last year, Hero Realty launched its plotted development project, Hero Earth Swarnpath, in Sonepat and has received an overwhelming response from buyers. With significant capital appreciation in recent years, the region presents immense investment opportunities.”

Yashank Wason, Managing Director of Royal Green Realty, emphasized, “Organized real estate markets are emerging in Tier-2 cities like Sonepat, offering remarkable growth potential. With the shift towards remote work, Sonepat presents an attractive blend of affordability and quality of life. Homebuyers are increasingly drawn to its spacious residences amidst lush greenery, providing a welcome retreat from congested urban areas. The upcoming Rapid Rail Transit System will further enhance connectivity within NCR, positioning Sonepat as a key player in the real estate market.”

Mohit Malhotra, Founder and CEO of NeoLiv, added, “NeoLiv embraces a forward-thinking ethos where innovation and opportunity converge. We believe new-age cities like Sonepat will become future economic hubs, offering an ideal mix of affordability, accessibility, and lifestyle amenities. With evolving housing preferences and growing government initiatives, these cities are well-positioned to redefine the real estate narrative, attracting investors, homeowners, and businesses alike. The emergence of large-scale industries, such as the Maruti Suzuki plant near Sonepat, will drive demand for mid-income housing and plotted developments, transforming the area into a vibrant residential neighborhood.”

Delhi Metro Yellow Line: Route and Stations

Currently, the Delhi Metro Yellow Line spans 47.2 km, connecting Samaypur Badli to Millennium City Centre in Gurugram. With 37 stations and eight interchange points, the line plays a crucial role in enhancing connectivity across the National Capital Region (NCR).

New Metro Corridor: 21 Stations, 26.5 km Route

A new metro corridor covering 26.5 km with 21 stations is also in development. This corridor will start from Rithala, passing through areas like Rohini, Bawana, and Narela, and will conclude at Nathupur. The corridor will include key stations such as Rithala, Rohini Sector 25, 26, 31, and others, enhancing connectivity for commuters.

Sonepat’s Strategic Advantage

Strategically located at the intersection of the Delhi Peripheral Road and major highways of North India, Sonepat is fast emerging as a key hub within the NCR. With ongoing urbanization, infrastructure growth, and robust industrial development, the city offers excellent connectivity through an extensive network of roads and highways, making it an attractive destination for residents and businesses alike. The increasing demand from homebuyers has fueled a real estate boom across residential, commercial, and retail sectors. Notably, Maruti Suzuki’s significant investment in a new manufacturing facility highlights the region’s economic growth and job creation potential.