Connectivity to Noida International Airport:
The Noida International Airport will be connected to Ghaziabad via rapid rail. The rail will traverse from Ghaziabad through Greater Noida West and Pari Chowk to reach the airport.
- Approval by the Chief Secretary:
- In a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary D.S. Mishra, the feasibility report by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) was approved. Further instructions were given to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
- Route Length of 72 KM:
- It is anticipated that the rapid rail will be operational on this route by 2031. The project is estimated to cost around Rs. 16,000 crores, covering a total length of 72.26 km, featuring an elevated corridor.
- Increased Connectivity from Jewar Airport:
- The construction of India’s largest airport in Jewar is underway. Its first phase is expected to be completed by 2024, with passenger services starting in October 2024. Focus is on connectivity projects for passenger movement to and from the airport.
- Route Details:
- The approved route will start from Ghaziabad and connect to Aqua Line Metro at Pari Chowk via Greater Noida West and Greater Noida East. Moving forward through Surajpur Kasna Road, Kasna, Ecotech Six, Dankaur, the route will run parallel to the Expressway in the Yamuna Authority area, reaching Noida International Airport.
- Stations on the Route:
- The stations proposed include Ghaziabad, South Ghaziabad, Sector Four of Greater Noida West, Sector Two, Knowledge Park Five, Surajpur, Pari Chowk, Ecotech Six, Dankaur, and sectors 18, 20, 21 of the Yamuna Authority, ending at Noida International Airport. There are proposals for depots at Ecotech Six and sector 21 of the Yamuna Authority area. However, the number of stations may change in the final DPR.
- Cost of the Route from Ghaziabad to Ecotech Six:
- The route has been proposed in two phases. The first phase, from Ghaziabad to Ecotech Six, will be 37.15 km long and is expected to be completed by 2030. The estimated cost for its construction is Rs. 9798.1 crores.
- Second Phase:
- The second phase, from Ecotech Six to Noida International Airport, will be 35.11 km long, with an estimated cost of Rs. 6391 crores.
- Funding Distribution:
- For the first phase, the central government will contribute Rs. 1804 crores, the state government Rs. 2581 crores, and the remaining amount will be raised by the authority. For the second phase, the state government and the authority will contribute Rs. 3135 crores and Rs. 3256 crores, respectively.
- Passenger Estimates for 2031:
- The rapid rail is expected to cater to 267670 passengers daily by 2031. From Ghaziabad to Ecotech Six, the daily passenger estimate is 192714, and from Ecotech Six to the airport, it is 74956.
- Connectivity to IGI Airport:
- The rapid rail connectivity between Ghaziabad and Noida International Airport will also link to IGI Airport via Sarai Kale Khan.
- Travel Time Estimates:
- From IGI to Noida Airport: 79 minutes
- From Sarai Kale Khan to Noida Airport: 69 minutes
- From Ghaziabad to Noida Airport: 50 minutes
- From Meerut to Noida Airport: 85 minutes
