State Govt directs GDA to coordinate for seamless integration of transport projects

Ghaziabad, India (Urban Transport News): In a significant move aimed at enhancing the region's transportation infrastructure, the government has directed the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) to collaborate with the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to ensure the smooth execution of the proposed rapid rail routes connecting the upcoming Jewar airport to Ghaziabad. This directive, issued during a meeting chaired by Nitin Ramesh Gokarn, the additional chief secretary for housing and urban planning, emphasizes the need for careful alignment planning to avoid conflicts with the Sector 62-Sahibabad metro extension.

An official from GDA stated, "Following the government's directive, we will soon engage in discussions with NCRTC to assess the alignment of the proposed RRTS corridor from Ghaziabad South to Jewar airport. Given that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is poised to take up the Noida Sector 62 to Sahibabad metro extension project, it's imperative to ensure that the alignment routes of the two projects do not overlap."

The DMRC, in January, submitted a revised project report to the government for the 5km corridor from Noida Electronic City in Sector 62 to Sahibabad, estimating the construction cost at Rs 1,873.3 crore.

"This development is positive, and we anticipate that the state government will soon decide on approving the funding pattern suggested by DMRC after our meeting with NCRTC concludes," added the GDA official. The proposed metro extension encompasses five stations, serving different areas such as Vaibhav Khand, DPS Indirapuram, Shakti Khand, Vasundhara (Sector 7), and Sahibabad.

The broader transportation initiative includes the Noida International Airport (NIA) to Ghaziabad rapid rail corridor, envisioned as a 72km stretch to be developed in two phases. Phase 1 comprises the construction of the Ghaziabad to Kasna stretch with seven stations, including Ghaziabad South, Greater Noida West (Sector 4), Greater Noida West (Sector 2), Knowledge Park V, Surajpur, Pari Chowk, and Ecotech 6. Phase 2 will introduce four additional stations: Dankaur, YEIDA North (Sector 18), YEIDA Central (Sector 21), and NIA.

As the development progresses, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential improvements in connectivity and accessibility across the region. The integration of these transportation projects is expected to streamline commuting for residents and facilitate economic growth in the surrounding areas.

The collaborative efforts between GDA, NCRTC, and DMRC mark a positive step toward efficient and integrated transportation infrastructure in the Ghaziabad region. As these projects move forward, careful planning and coordination will be crucial to ensure a seamless and well-connected network that benefits the community at large.