Keeping in view the increasing population and demand for a better transport system in Greater Noida West, the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) on Tuesday approved its stalled metro line project, connecting Noida Sector 71 to Knowledge Park-5 in Greater Noida. The decision was taken in a board meeting, chaired by GNIDA chairman, Anup Chandra Pandey.
Covering a 15-km stretch, the metro line will have as many as nine stations. The project will be carried out in two phases – five stations in the first phase and four stations in second. The total cost for the proposed metro line has been estimated at Rs 2602 crore of which, Rs 1521 crore will be spent on the construction work in first phase.
Addressing a press conference post the board meeting, Pandey stated since the proposed metro line would fall in both -Noida and Greater Noida – the authorities concerned would bear its construction cost based on the number of stations under their respective jurisdiction.
However, the board did not comment on the commencement and completion date of the project. On stressing further, Pandey reiterated, “At this moment, I can’t tell you when the construction work will get started and completed. The project was approved in the board meeting and further process will start soon.”
When City Spidey reached out to the residents to get their views on this announcement, they, somehow, seemed skeptical. They stated the project was already approved by the Uttar Pradesh government in the year 2016 but it somehow got delayed.
“Until the authority clears the date of its commencement, uncertainty will prevail. However, the authorities have kept residents’ need as priority, so we are hopeful the work will take place sooner or later,” said Sandeep Kumar, a resident of Exotica Dreamville.
Shalini Sharma, a resident of Steller Jeevan society in Greater Noida West said, “We have to bear with a pathetic transport system. Buses are there but that is not enough. The government needs to provide a safe and reliable transport system and the metro will prove to be one. We hope the government will work on it as soon as possible.”
The proposed metro line will provide great relief to approximately 50000 families who have moved into more than a dozen high-rises and to those who are yet to settle in Greater Noida West.
