Travel between Greater Noida and Faridabad is finally expected to become easier, as work on the long-delayed approach road to the Manjhawali bridge has picked up pace. Once the four-lane road is ready, the travel time between the two NCR cities is likely to come down to about 30 minutes, bringing relief to thousands of daily commuters, according to a report by ET Now.
Even though Greater Noida and Faridabad are both part of the NCR, there has never been a direct road connecting the two. For now, commuters have to depend on longer and often crowded routes through Delhi, Noida, Kalindi Kunj or the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, where traffic jams and delays are routine, especially during peak hours.
The new project seeks to change this by providing a direct link via the Manjhawali bridge across the Yamuna. The shorter route is expected to cut down travel distance and commuting time in a big way.
Project details and estimated cost
The project includes building a four-lane approach road from Greater Noida to the Manjhawali bridge. While the bridge on the Haryana side has already been completed, the lack of a proper approach road from the Uttar Pradesh side kept the project stalled for years.
The road is estimated to cost around Rs 66 crore. Work will include constructing a new approach road near Greater Noida, strengthening existing stretches, and adding better drainage and safety features. Authorities say the road could be completed within a year if there are no major delays, as per ET Now report.
Land acquisition remains the biggest hurdle
Land acquisition has been the biggest obstacle so far. Around 70 per cent of the required land has already been acquired, while the remaining land is still being used for farming. Talks with farmers are ongoing, with compensation being the key issue, the report mentioned.
Once completed, the road is expected to improve east-west connectivity across the NCR. It will directly link residential and industrial areas of Greater Noida and Faridabad and could also push up real estate demand in nearby Noida sectors.
Villages along the Yamuna belt are likely to benefit as well, with easier access to schools, hospitals and local markets. Transport of goods between Uttar Pradesh and Haryana is expected to become quicker and more efficient.
The project is also linked to wider plans to improve regional connectivity, including the FNG Expressway and will make travel easier to the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar.
The Manjhawali road project was planned several years ago but kept getting pushed back because of approval hurdles and land-related problems.