Dr. Saket Dinkar | News Editor
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has revived efforts to launch the long-pending Noida Electronic City-Sahibabad Metro corridor by requesting funding through the 16th Finance Commission, Times of India reported.
In a letter to the Uttar Pradesh government, GDA has sought Rs 2,441 crore, with Rs 1,873 crore earmarked for the metro project.
“We have written to UP govt. We have quoted a grant of Rs 2,441 crore, out of which Rs 1,873 crore is for the metro project,” said GDA vice chairperson Atul Vats on Monday (16 June), as quoted by Times of India.
Expected to benefit over five lakh residents, the 5 km corridor will provide metro connectivity through Indirapuram, Vasundhara, and Vaishali.
Vats noted that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had submitted a proposal to the central government for 16 metro corridors across the country, one of which includes the 5 km Noida Electronic City to Sahibabad stretch.
He said this strengthens the case for the project, as it would not only offer crucial connectivity with Noida but also function as an extension of the Namo Bharat corridor that passes through Sahibabad.
The elevated corridor will feature five stations: Vaibhav Khand, DPS Indirapuram, and Shakti Khand along CISF Road, and two more at Vasundhara Sector 5 and Sahibabad.
First proposed in 2018, the project has faced delays due to a lack of funds. Initial suggestions, including forming a special purpose vehicle (SPV), failed to gain traction.
The estimated cost has risen from Rs 1,517 crore in 2018 to Rs 1,873 crore. Of the 26,691 sqm of land needed, 7,690 sqm is private, costing Rs 223 crore.
