With the upcoming Noida International Airport inching closer to commencing operations, many living the Delhi-NCR could be wondering which airport they should opt for.
As per a report by The Indian Express, connectivity between areas of Western Uttar Pradesh, including Noida, Ghaziabad, East Delhi, and the upcoming Noida airport, poses a challenge. However, the construction of a 32-kilometer stretch on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is anticipated to improve access, potentially as early as December.
This implies that for residents of Bulandshahr, Hathras, Palwal, and areas around Pari Chowk in Greater Noida, the Noida airport could become a more convenient option than Delhi’s IGI Airport.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already commenced construction on the 32-kilometer section connecting Delhi and Haryana to the Noida airport, and the project is now in its final development phase. “It will be operable in December. This will benefit many cities of Delhi, Haryana and UP,” said a senior official from Noida International Airport Limited.
By March, the Noida airport is expected to handle 30 flights daily—well ahead of the initially planned date of April 17.
Noida or Delhi airport?
The IE report listed out several districts in UP, Delhi-NCR and Haryana and the time it would take for people from there to reach Noida airport. Let’s take a look at these districts.
Bulandshahr – 52 kilometres from Noida airport, approx time taken – 71 minutes.
Aligarh – 65 kilometres, 102 minutes.
Agra – 148 kilometres, 138 minutes.
Meerut – 72.4 kilometres, 89 minutes.
Hathras – 110 kilometres, 124 minutes.
Mathura – 91 kilometres, 89 minutes.
Palwal – 38 kilometres, 61 minutes.
Faridabad – 60.6 kilometres, 84 minutes.
Gurugram – 92.3 kilometres, 134 minutes.
Pari Chowk, Greater Noida – 40 kilometres, 39 minutes.
Noida – 58 kilometres, 56 minutes.
Ghaziabad – 80 kilometres, 89 minutes.
IGI Airport – 87 kilometres, 82 minutes.
Mayur Vihar – 69.5 kilometres, 77 minutes.
Sarita Vihar – 67.7 kilometres, 67 minutes.
Okhla – 67.2 kilometres, 69 minutes.
Connecting Noida and Delhi airport
The officials have affirmed that there are plans to link the two airports. The NCRTC has a detailed project report of Rs 20,637 crore for the construction of a 72.44-km Rapid Rail-cum-Metro Project which will connect several parts of Delhi with the Noida International Airport. “It has been approved by the UP government and a proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Urban Affairs, Government of India, for its appraisal,” an official told IE.
“This Rapid Rail will connect Noida airport and Ghaziabad RRTS, which is further connected to Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi on one side and Meerut on the other,” Singh said.
The Metro will operate between Noida and Greater Noida, while a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system will connect the upcoming film city in Greater Noida’s Sector 21 to Noida Airport.
