Ghaziabad: In a surprising move, Noida was in the hunt for a new route to connect the upcoming metro line from Delhi to Ghaziabad. After careful deliberation, the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) had initially proposed a plan to link the Noida-based Electronic City Sector-62 Metro with the Mohan Nagar Metro Station. However, this plan was eventually shelved. Currently, the focus has shifted to a plan aimed at connecting the Noida Sector-62 Metro to the Sahibabad Metro Station.

GDA’s determined agenda

The GDA has embarked on the task of finalizing the route from Sector 62 to Sahibabad, which will play a pivotal role in connecting the Red and Blue lines of the metro. This proposal, which is pending approval in a GDA board meeting, will pave the way for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

It’s worth noting that an earlier attempt to link the Noida Sector-62 Electronic City Metro Station with the Vaishali and Mohan Nagar Metro stations had been deferred after the DPR was already prepared, amounting to an estimated cost of INR 3,325.22 crores.

Ambitious connections on the horizon

GDA’s Principal Chief Engineer, Manvendra Singh, revealed that this new route will also be integrated with the Delhi-Meerut RRTS line at the Sahibabad station. This integration will facilitate direct connectivity from Meerut to Noida via the Rapid Rail system. This will allow travelers from Meerut to conveniently switch to the Sahibabad Metro station for their onward journey to Noida.

Consequently, this integration offers the prospect of streamlining three lines simultaneously. Despite the previous challenges, GDA officials have shown tenacity by discussing the plans with the DMRC counterparts through virtual meetings.

Financial hurdles and future prospects

GDA is pushing for a 50% contribution from the central government for this project, although the reality remains that Agra received a 27% contribution for metro construction. Securing more than this share seems difficult. From the central government, a 20% contribution is provided, which when combined brings the contribution to 47%. It is anticipated that the budget for this new route will surpass that of the previous one, posing a significant challenge for GDA.