The Noida Authority has given in-principle approval for the construction of a second expressway. This decision, finalised during a recent board meeting, has garnered significant attention as the authorities explore two possible routes: an eight-lane ground expressway or a six-lane elevated road, both intended to run along the Yamuna’s embankments, linking Okhla barrage with the Yamuna Expressway.
The need for this new expressway has become more urgent as Noida’s existing infrastructure grapples with increasing traffic volumes. The Noida Expressway, which has seen rapid growth in both residential and commercial developments, now faces congestion throughout the day, especially with the upcoming Noida International Airport set to open in 2024. The growing number of commuters and the ever-expanding urbanisation in the region are contributing to a bottleneck situation that requires immediate intervention. A bypass for traffic between the two cities had been in the works for some time, but the recent surge in traffic has accelerated the need for action. Estimates suggest that with the expected rise in traffic, particularly from the eastern developments of Noida, including the airport in Jewar and several industrial and housing projects along the Yamuna Expressway, the existing roadways could soon face gridlock comparable to that seen on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway during peak hours.
The proposed expressway will stretch from Okhla barrage to the Yamuna Expressway, incorporating both existing road networks and newly designed infrastructure. Authorities are carefully considering the route’s alignment, with plans to utilise the marginal bund along the Yamuna River and the Hindon-Yamuna doab. This careful planning aims to ensure minimal disruption to the environment while addressing the growing need for urban mobility. One key challenge for the project lies in securing a partner for construction. The Noida Authority is keen to involve the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in the project, which would require elevating the expressway to national highway status. If NHAI does not come on board, the three major authorities involved—Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway—are prepared to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to manage the project.
The expressway will not only alleviate traffic but also create a more efficient transport link, crucial for the future economic expansion of the region. Careful consideration is being given to the design, including entry and exit points, loops, and underpasses, with particular attention to areas like Sector 168, where an interchange with the Faridabad-Noida-Ghaziabad (FNG) Expressway is planned. As traffic continues to surge, Noida’s plan for a new expressway is a bold step toward modernising the city’s infrastructure and ensuring that it can meet the demands of its rapidly growing population and economic activity. However, the project’s successful execution will depend on detailed planning, timely funding, and a coordinated effort from all involved authorities.
Noida Expands Infrastructure with Second Expressway
