Noida Airport's Rs 16,000 Crore Rapid Rail Corridor to Connect Directly with Delhi's IGI Airport
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Noida Airport's Game-Changing Rs 16,000 Crore Rapid Rail Corridor Approved! Direct Connectivity with Delhi's IGI Airport in 80 Minutes. A transformative leap for aviation, stay tuned for seamless travel and operational readiness by year-end.
Introduction:
In a significant development for the aviation sector, the Uttar Pradesh government has given the green light to a Rs 16,000 crore rapid rail corridor that will establish direct connectivity between the upcoming Noida Airport and Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). This ambitious project is expected to be a game-changer, not only in easing passenger transit but also in boosting the overall appeal and efficiency of the Noida Airport. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is diligently working on a detailed project report, slated for completion by March, with construction anticipated to take four years.
Rapid Rail Corridor: A Catalyst for Connectivity:
The proposed rapid rail corridor is poised to be a major catalyst for enhancing connectivity between the Noida Airport and Delhi's IGI Airport. Shailendra Bhatia, the Nodal Officer at Noida International Airport Limited, revealed that the rail corridor will branch out of Ghaziabad station, an interchange station of Delhi Meerut Rapid Rail Transport. Passengers will be able to seamlessly connect to the under-construction Delhi-Alwar Rapid Rail through Sarai Kale Khan, the originating station of Delhi-Meerut Rail. The Delhi-Alwar rail, expected to be completed by mid-2025, will have a station at Indira Gandhi International Airport, thereby creating a crucial link for efficient passenger transfer.
Benefits and Impact on Noida Airport:
The rapid rail corridor is expected to provide a significant boost to the Noida Airport, which is set to witness its first flight later this year. The connectivity offered by the rail corridor will not only facilitate smoother passenger transfers but will also position Noida Airport as a viable alternative for those traveling to and from Delhi. With the ability to capture spill-over passenger traffic from the Delhi Airport, Noida Airport aims to become a key player in the aviation landscape.
Operational Dynamics:
While the Delhi Airport is currently operated by the GMR group, the contract to operate the Noida Airport has been secured by Zurich Airport. This strategic move reflects a global trend seen in major cities worldwide where multiple airports are seamlessly connected by high-speed rail networks. Such connections streamline the transfer of passengers between airports and contribute to the overall efficiency of the aviation system.
Multi-Modal Connectivity:
Beyond the rapid rail corridor, Noida Airport authorities are actively exploring other modes of public transport systems to further enhance connectivity. High-speed bus corridors are being planned to connect the airport with major cities such as Delhi and Gurgaon. This multi-modal transport connectivity strategy aims to make Noida Airport an attractive choice for both domestic and international airlines.
Project Viability:
Before finalizing the rapid rail corridor, other options, such as an express metro directly connecting the two airports, were considered. However, these alternatives were discarded due to feasibility concerns related to project costs. Shailendra Bhatia emphasized that the project has received approval from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and the total travel time between the two airports is estimated to be around 80 minutes.
Conclusion:
The approval of the rapid rail corridor connecting Noida Airport and Delhi's IGI Airport marks a significant milestone in the development of transportation infrastructure in the National Capital Region. This initiative not only addresses the growing need for efficient connectivity but also positions Noida Airport as a competitive player in the aviation industry. As construction progresses and collaborations with airlines strengthen, the Noida Airport is poised to become a key hub, offering enhanced connectivity and convenience to passengers in the bustling Delhi metropolitan area. The successful implementation of this project is anticipated to set a precedent for similar developments in other regions, promoting seamless connectivity and fostering growth in the Indian aviation sector.