UP's Mega Railshot: Rs 16,000 Crore Corridor to Connect Key Airports

The Uttar Pradesh government has granted approval for a Rs 16,000-crore rapid rail corridor, set to revolutionize connectivity between the upcoming Noida Airport and Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, as well as various parts of Delhi.

Under the oversight of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a comprehensive project report is in progress and expected to be finalized by March 2024. Once initiated, the project is slated for completion within four years, significantly reducing travel time to approximately 80 minutes.

The proposed Noida airport link will emanate from the Ghaziabad station, serving as an interchange station for the Delhi Meerut Rapid Rail Transport. Passengers will have seamless connectivity to the under-construction Delhi-Alwar Rapid Rail via Sarai Kale Khan, the starting point of the Delhi-Meerut Rail. The Delhi-Alwar rail, anticipated to be operational by mid-2025, will feature a station at Indira Gandhi International Airport, complementing the connectivity with Aerocity.

Operated by the GMR group, Delhi Airport will benefit from this project, capturing overflow passenger traffic. In parallel, Zurich Airport, the contracted operator for Noida Airport, will leverage the improved connectivity. Other public transport systems, including high-speed bus corridors linking the airport to Delhi and Gurugram, are also in development.

The Noida airport is on track to be operational by year-end, with ongoing runway asphalting and paving activities. Construction efforts are set to accelerate in the coming months, with collaborative partnerships being explored for enhancing retail and food and beverage experiences at the airport.

News by Rahul Yelligetti