Greater Noida West, once a vast farmland, has transformed into a thriving commercial hub near Delhi. Vibrant residential societies and bustling markets reflect the area’s entrepreneurial spirit. However, rapid infrastructure growth brings a pressing challenge: crippling traffic. To address this, the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) and Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) are planning an elevated road linking Ghaziabad to Greater Noida West. Though the GDA states the project is still in the early planning stage, fears loom over the potential demolition of 300 structures, including a hospital and a school, as the initiative takes shape. However, the Greater Noida Authority told News 24 that discussions on the elevated road are still in the early stages.
The upcoming elevated road linking Ghaziabad to Greater Noida West is shrouded in mystery. A survey is ongoing in the area, with residents and passersby watching but unaware of its details or purpose. When questioned about the project, locals remained silent but voiced concerns about temporary disruptions caused by the survey.
What Greater Noida Authority Said
Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority CEO N.G. Ravi Kumar told News 24 that discussions on the new elevated road are ongoing, but still in the preliminary stage. He said, “Discussions are underway with the concerned authorities for the construction of the elevated road, including the Vice Chairman of GDA (Ghaziabad Development Authority) and officials from NHAI.” When questioned about the demolition process expected with the start of the elevated bridge construction, he declined to comment.
Shahberi And Traffic Challenges
Shahberi is a rapidly developing area in Greater Noida West. The place is a hub for residential societies, furniture markets, and commercial activity. However, its narrow roads, which are about 100 to 150 meters wide single lane, cause severe traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. This stretch connects Greater Noida West to Ghaziabad’s Crossings Republik.
This area has bottlenecks, which include parking and encroachments by local businesses, such as furniture shops. The new elevated road is expected to bring relief to the daily commuters. But the demolition drive, which is expected to be a part of the project, will impact Shahberi.
“Survey Ho Raha Hai?”
Shahberi residents have no idea that the Authority had already started a survey. “Sunne mein aa raha tha ki road banegi…Koi toh aaya hoga par hume kuch nahi pata, a shopkeeper said in disbelief. Another asked, “Survey ho raha hai?”- Little did they know that a survey had started more than a week ago by the Greater Noida Authority that may uproot their lives soon.
News 24’s Ground Report
Upon visiting the proposed elevated road location, News 24 found that the situation on the ground is confusing and unclear. While the Greater Noida Authority and GDA say that the elevated road project is still under discussion, proper communication, compensation packages, and other formalities remain stuck. On the other hand, a survey is also being carried out. The lack of transparency and accountability has cast a shadow of mystery over the project.
While the project promises relief for millions, its success depends on timely DPR completion, funding agreements, and minimal disruption to Shahberi’s markets and residents.
Will The Project Reshape Lives Or Uproot Them?
The Greater Noida West to Ghaziabad elevated road will soon reshape lives, but the residents and business owners residing along the route are clueless about the new project. The eyes of office-goers, drivers, locals, and school children inching forward in traffic await the construction of a road. Hospitals, schools, buildings, shops, and institutions fear demolition on the proposed route. Some of them are unauthorised for sure, but soon a new road will wipe out the building’s existence that has been there for years.
Reality struck them hard! A local shopkeeper, Shahid Malik, said, “Nahi abhi tak toh koi nahi aaya hai, kisi se baat chit nahi hui hai abhi. Compensation ki baat nahi hui hai, humare paas koi nahi aaya hai.” Another shopkeeper gasped in shock with eyes wide open, “Koi survey ki team nahi aayi hai abhi tak.”
A furniture shop owner, Aasif, who had a tiny idea about the proposed road, said, “Uska toh do teen saal se sunne mein hi aa raha hai par kuch pata nahi hai. Bas naale banaye gaye hai toh road chohdi hui hai.”
Open Drains – The Story Of Neglect
The road connecting Greater Noida West to Ghaziabad speaks the story of neglect. The looming project also brings into focus another pressing issue – Open Drains.
The drains took over around 14 months to build. Yet the most basic safety work – to cover them – remains undone. 3 feet wide drains run parallel to the shops along the proposed route. People seem tired. What was promised has not been delivered.
The residents live here in fear. They have resorted to instant yet dangerous solutions, such as placing fragile plywood boards over the drains outside their shops for foot movement. The underweight bridges could hardly keep up, leading to accidents and risking lives. “Hume toh kabse ye bola gaya hai ki naale dhak diye jayenge…ab hum kya kar sakte hai,” an elderly shopkeeper said.
A passerby expressed, “I have been a resident of the said area for 5 years, even after extensive construction and changes, a few issues still torment us. The sewer that runs along the length of Shahberi has still been left uncovered. The shopkeepers in the area have started using makeshift covers to ensure that the customers can at least enter their shops. This has to be addressed ASAP, as the foul smell of the sewer, along with the risk of falling into it, has been an everyday challenge for the residents.”
Another shopkeeper who was enraged with the issue, said, “14 mahine ho gaye, kuch pata nahi hai. Kaam saare kharab ho gaye, raasta band ho gaya, koi kaam nahi hua.” One Shopkeeper, half-laughing and half-worried, said, “Unhone kaha tha ki hum isse dhakenge. Humne jo patte se cover kar rakha hai, yeh vo hata kar chale gaye. Naale ki safai ka kaam kiya phir vo chale gaye, humne phirse patte rakh diye. Customer aate hai toh unhe dikkat hoti hai. Abhi tak koi kaam nahi hua hai. Kehke gaye hai par aesa lagta nahi hai.”
Upcoming Elevated Road – Boon Or Bane?
The upcoming elevated road from Greater Noida West to Ghaziabad seems a solution for the slow-moving traffic, as the roads, 100 to 150 meters wide, are too narrow for vehicles to pass. Traffic builds up in minutes, especially during peak hours. Moreover, the road is divided by a partition in the middle, which seems like a betrayal.
