The Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), tasked with overseeing the development of the greenfield international airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, has sought expert recommendations on the alignment of a proposed 61km railway link to facilitate seamless connectivity to the forthcoming Noida airport, scheduled to be operational by the end of 2024.
This strategic initiative aims to enhance accessibility and integrate the airport with the broader rail network. Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a special purpose vehicle established by Zurich International AG, the airport’s concessionaire, has been consulted for its insights on the optimal alignment and configuration of the railway link. Critical decisions, such as whether the airport station should be underground or elevated, are under consideration. YIAPL has also been tasked with providing detailed route information for a proposed rapid rail system, which will play a pivotal role in finalising the rail link’s alignment.
The Railways has proposed an alignment strategy that maximises connectivity while minimising disruptions to existing structures and settlements across Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Last week, a presentation by the Railways highlighted the proposal to connect the new rail link with the airport’s ground transportation centre via an underground channel. The comprehensive rail link spans 98.8km, with the main 61km stretch complemented by additional connectivity links from Chola and Rundhi stations. The project, estimated at a cost of ₹2,400 crore, is expected to be completed within three years from the commencement of construction.
Key crossing stations along the route will include Rundhi, Chandhat, Jewar Khadar, Jewar Airport, Jahangirpur, Bighepur, and Chola. The project also envisages the construction of five rail flyovers to ensure a smooth corridor within the existing railway network spanning Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Additionally, the project will include 45 minor road crossings and a significant bridge over the Yamuna River. The Jewar airport station will be integrated with the airport terminal, streamlining passenger transfers. The alignment is designed to facilitate connections to various critical locations, including a multimodal transport hub near Dadri.
This new railway link will connect the Howrah-New Delhi main line near Chola station in Bulandshahr and the Delhi-Mumbai main line near Rundhi station in Haryana. The Uttar Pradesh government has committed to providing multimodal connectivity from Jewar airport to cities within Delhi and the National Capital Region, ensuring linkage to the Delhi-Kolkata and Delhi-Mumbai main lines.
Upon submission of the detailed route coordinates by the airport concessionaire, the Railways will finalise and submit a detailed project report (DPR) to advance this ambitious infrastructure project. This development underscores a significant step forward in enhancing the transportation network associated with the Jewar airport, promising improved accessibility and economic growth for the region.
“Once these suggestions regarding the alignment and station location are shared by YIAPL, NIAL will hand over the details to the Railways for drawing up the detailed project report of this link from Chola in Bulandshahr to Rundhi near Palwal area in Haryana,” said Arun Vir Singh, chief executive officer, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida).
