The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has imposed an immediate ban on all land transactions along the proposed 74.3-kilometre greenfield expressway linking the under-construction Noida International Airport (NIA) with the Ganga Expressway. This decisive measure aims to curb speculative buying and ensure the timely execution of the ₹4,000 crore project. The land freeze underscores a proactive approach to sustainable infrastructure development, vital for fostering eco-friendly and equitably planned urban and industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh.
The directive from UPEIDA, confirmed by officials, mandates district administrations in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Bulandshahr to enforce the freeze on agricultural land immediately. Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma affirmed the instruction to the stamp and registration department staff, preventing the registration of affected plots. This pre-emptive action is crucial for mitigating potential land acquisition hurdles and cost escalations that often plague large-scale infrastructure projects. By curbing speculative real estate activities, the government aims to ensure that land is acquired at fair values, benefiting genuine landowners and preventing undue profiteering, which is essential for equitable development.
Initially conceived as an 83-kilometre corridor, the expressway’s alignment underwent a strategic redesign to a 74.3-kilometre stretch, specifically to avoid cutting through developed sectors in Yamuna City. This adaptive planning demonstrates a commitment to minimising disruption to existing urban areas and optimising resource utilisation. The 120-metre-wide road will now commence from Siyana in Bulandshahr and seamlessly merge with the Yamuna Expressway near Film City in Sector 21. This revised plan not only reduces land acquisition complexities but also streamlines cargo movement to the Noida International Airport, enhancing logistical efficiency for industrial sectors.
The expressway is set to traverse through 56 villages, with eight located in Gautam Buddh Nagar (including Mehndipur Bangar, Rabupura, and Myana) and 48 spanning Khurja, Shikarpur, and Syana tehsils in Bulandshahr. This extensive reach will bring significant connectivity benefits to these rural and semi-urban areas, integrating them more closely into the broader economic landscape of the National Capital Region. The direct access provided to industrial Sectors 28, 29, 32, and 33 in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area is particularly crucial for industrial growth, enabling smoother and faster transportation of goods and raw materials, thereby boosting regional commerce.
From an environmental perspective, the development of a greenfield expressway, when executed with meticulous planning, can contribute to sustainable urban and industrial growth. By creating dedicated corridors for efficient transport, it can reduce traffic congestion on existing roads, leading to lower fuel consumption and reduced vehicular emissions. This aligns with the vision of fostering zero net carbon cities and eco-friendly industrial zones. However, the environmental impact assessment and mitigation strategies for such a large-scale project, including land use changes and ecological considerations, will be paramount to ensure that development does not come at the expense of natural habitats or local ecosystems.
Furthermore, the project holds significant implications for equitable development. By improving connectivity to previously less accessible villages, the expressway can unlock new economic opportunities for local communities, including enhanced market access for agricultural produce and the potential for new businesses. Ensuring fair compensation and rehabilitation for affected landowners, as well as providing skill development opportunities for local residents in project-related employment, will be crucial for fostering truly gender-neutral and equitable growth. The UPEIDA’s warning of “strict administrative action” against violations underscores a commitment to maintaining order and fairness throughout the land acquisition process, protecting the rights of all stakeholders.
The land freeze for the Noida Airport-Ganga Expressway link is a decisive measure aimed at safeguarding a critical infrastructure project. By curbing speculative buying and streamlining land acquisition, Uttar Pradesh is demonstrating its commitment to planned, sustainable development. This expressway is not merely a transport corridor; it is a vital artery that will connect economic hubs, facilitate trade, and contribute to the overall prosperity and environmental health of the region, paving the way for a more integrated and resilient urban future.
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