The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) has proposed the development of a light rail project to connect Noida Airport with the proposed Film City in Sector 21.
This 14.6-kilometre project aims to offer an affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly transit option to commuters while boosting connectivity to one of the most anticipated projects in the region. The first phase of the project, as outlined in the Detailed Project Report (DPR), focuses on linking Noida Airport with Film City, which is expected to play a major role in the city’s film and entertainment industry. The Film City is projected to cost ₹1,510 crore and will span 230 acres in its first phase, dedicated largely to film production, sound stages, and related infrastructure. This will make the Film City one of the largest centres for the Indian film industry, fostering both cultural and economic growth. The light rail system is seen as a key enabler of this vision, ensuring easy access for workers, visitors, and residents alike.
One of the standout features of the proposed light rail system is its cost-effectiveness. Unlike other rapid transit systems such as metro rails or high-speed trains, light rail transit (LRT) offers a lower-cost alternative while maintaining high levels of efficiency and safety. The LRT system, built on electrically powered light rail vehicles (LRVs), will operate on a dedicated track separated from other traffic, ensuring fast and reliable service. This model has already been successfully implemented in cities around the world, including London, and is expected to deliver substantial benefits for the local population by reducing congestion and providing a cleaner, greener transportation option.
While the first phase focuses on connecting Noida Airport with Film City, the overall project is expected to be completed in multiple phases. The second phase plans to extend the line to Vrindavan and Mathura, enhancing connectivity to religious and tourist destinations. The third phase of the project envisions extending the light rail network all the way to Agra, a city that is already a major tourist hub. With this long-term vision, Yeida aims to create a comprehensive transit network that connects important cultural, religious, and industrial centres along the Yamuna Expressway.
The proposed light rail project comes after previous attempts by Yeida to develop alternative transportation options, such as the Pod Taxi project and a rapid rail system, which were ultimately shelved due to technical and feasibility challenges. In contrast, the light rail transit system offers a more viable solution, according to experts. The light rail system can accommodate multiple coaches, providing more capacity for passengers compared to other options like the Pod Taxi, which would have been limited to a single vehicle. The light rail, with its larger capacity, will ensure that it can handle the demands of the growing commuter base expected in the area. The light rail system’s integration with the existing transportation infrastructure is another key advantage. It will offer easy access to the region’s growing residential, industrial, and IT sectors, many of which are already lined up along the Yamuna Expressway. This connectivity will be crucial in ensuring that businesses, residents, and visitors can travel easily and efficiently, supporting future economic growth.
Moreover, the environmental benefits of the light rail system align with global trends towards sustainable transportation. Electrically powered, the light rail will produce fewer emissions compared to conventional vehicles, making it an important part of the city’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. As urbanisation accelerates in India, sustainable transport solutions like light rail are becoming increasingly important in shaping eco-friendly, modern cities. The proposed system offers a blueprint for other Indian cities grappling with traffic congestion and pollution. Experts have also highlighted the need for such a transit system to support not only the Film City but also the broader development goals of Noida and the surrounding regions. The film industry in India is one of the largest in the world, and the Film City project is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy. By improving connectivity, the light rail will help ensure that the workforce can commute easily, supporting the long-term success of the industry.
Once the project moves to the next stage, Yeida will seek approvals from both the Uttar Pradesh and central governments. If approved, the light rail system is expected to be developed swiftly, with the potential to transform the connectivity landscape in this rapidly growing region. The proposed light rail project is a prime example of how efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly transport solutions can drive urban development while promoting sustainability. Yeida’s light rail project presents a unique opportunity to enhance connectivity between Noida Airport and the Film City, while also paving the way for future development along the Yamuna Expressway.
The project’s potential to reduce traffic congestion, promote sustainable transport, and facilitate economic growth makes it a crucial part of Noida’s evolving infrastructure landscape. As the project moves forward, the light rail system could become a model for other cities looking to build affordable, sustainable transportation networks.
Noida Airport and Film City to Get Light Rail Link
