The residents of Greater Noida are voicing an urgent demand for metro connectivity, emphasising its critical role in enhancing urban infrastructure and easing the region’s mounting transport challenges.
Despite the region’s rapid growth as a key economic and residential hub within the National Capital Region (NCR), the much-anticipated metro project has been delayed for over eight years, leaving commuters grappling with traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate public transport options. The Noida-Greater Noida metro project, conceived to provide seamless connectivity across the region, was designed to support the daily commute of over 800,000 residents, including middle-class families, professionals, and students. However, despite the Uttar Pradesh government fulfilling its financial commitments, the project has remained stagnant due to prolonged approval processes with the Ministry of Urban Development. Local residents, urban planners, and development experts are now urging the central government to expedite the project’s approval, highlighting its significance not just for convenience but as a cornerstone of sustainable urban development.
They stress that metro connectivity will not only alleviate traffic woes and reduce pollution but also contribute to the creation of zero net carbon cities, aligning with India’s broader environmental and urban planning goals. The metro’s completion is also expected to strengthen connectivity with major infrastructure projects, notably the upcoming Jewar Airport. Officials are advocating for the development of a dedicated national highway linking Noida’s Kalindi Kunj to Greater Noida and Jewar Airport to ensure smooth transit, reduce travel time, and boost economic activity. Additionally, there is growing support for reviving the 25-year-old expressway system to facilitate smoother travel across the NCR. This infrastructure upgrade would enhance regional connectivity, reduce congestion, and support integrated urban development, making the region more accessible and economically vibrant. The delay in the metro project has raised concerns about governance and accountability, with residents and stakeholders demanding greater transparency and efficiency in decision-making processes.
The growing pressure on the Ministry of Urban Development reflects a collective push for timely action, as the region’s development continues to outpace its current transport infrastructure. As the demand for metro connectivity in Greater Noida intensifies, there is hope that the government will prioritise this critical project. Its successful implementation could serve as a model for other cities facing similar urban mobility challenges, paving the way for more connected, eco-friendly, and sustainable urban spaces across India.
Greater Noida Residents Demand Metro Connectivity to Boost Urban Infrastructure
