No Metro, No Buses: Welcome to Greater Noida West

Greater Noida West, Uttar Pradesh – The rapidly developing area of Greater Noida West continues to struggle with severe traffic congestion and a lack of public transportation options, despite years of promises and plans to extend the metro network. The residents of this area, which spreads over 3,635 hectares and includes 16 villages, are left with no option but to rely on their personal vehicles or shared autos for daily commuting.

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Traffic jams have become a daily occurrence on the main roads of Greater Noida West, especially during peak office hours. The area, located 4-5 kilometres from Noida’s Sector 121, witnesses a constant influx of cars, bikes, and scooters, contributing to gridlocks that stretch for miles. With no bus services or metro connectivity currently in place, residents with no access to private vehicles depend heavily on shared autos, which are seen as the only lifeline for those needing to travel to work or nearby places.

Despite the growing demand for better public transport, the much-awaited Greater Noida West metro project has not yet materialized. Over the years, discussions surrounding the project have gained significant attention, but on-the-ground progress has been minimal. The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has received approval for extending the Aqua Line Corridor to Greater Noida West, but commuters remain frustrated by the delays.

The extension plan, which spans 17.43 kilometres, proposes to enhance connectivity between Noida, Greater Noida, and Delhi by introducing 11 new metro stations along the Aqua Line corridor. These stations are expected to cover key sectors such as 51, 61, 70, 122, and 123 in Noida, and expand into important areas of Greater Noida West. However, while the project has been greenlit, construction has yet to begin, leaving the community waiting.

Greater Noida, developed as a planned city under the UP Industrial Area Development Act of 1976, was designed with infrastructure and industrial growth in mind. However, Greater Noida West, which was initially coined as “Noida Extension” by developers before being officially renamed, has been facing challenges in coping with its rapid urbanization. Without adequate transport solutions, the region’s infrastructure is strained, making it difficult for residents to navigate through the area.

Traffic jams near Kishan Chowk in the Greater Noida West area during the afternoon. (Image: Everflip)

For now, the residents of Greater Noida West are left hoping that the metro project will soon take off, easing their daily commute and alleviating the severe traffic congestion. Until then, shared autos and personal vehicles will remain the only options in this sprawling suburb.