NOIDA: Residents of Greater Noida West protested on Sunday near the final Metro pillar by the Sector-71 intersection, expressing frustration over the Centre’s repeated rejection of the detailed project report (DPR) for the upcoming Metro extension. Chanting slogans like “Approval ka kaise khel, kab ayegi metro rail… Greno West ki janta karey pukar, kab ayegi metro rail,” they symbolically used ropes to “pull” the Metro pillar closer to their area, emphasizing the need for urgent connectivity.
The protest, organized by the Noida Extension Flat Owners Welfare Association (NEFOWA), included participation from various residents’ welfare groups, village associations, and citizen organizations. Protesters shared their frustration over the cancellations of the DPR, which have exacerbated issues for a population that has now exceeded three lakh.
Community members pointed to escalating daily traffic woes and the lack of reliable public transport. They noted that, despite a decade’s worth of assurances, tangible progress remains absent. Demonstrators called on both Central and State governments to prioritize the Metro project, labeling it a necessity rather than a luxury.
Alok Kumar from the Active Citizens’ Group stated, “This region is rapidly developing, yet basic infrastructure is lacking. The absence of public transportation disrupts daily lives. The government must go beyond mere promises and take decisive action.”
Ranjan Tomar, President of the Noida Village Residents Association, added, “The lack of public transport is challenging for both urban dwellers and village residents. Therefore, our united demand is for immediate commencement of the Metro project.”
NEFOWA President Abhishek Kumar expressed, “Residents of Greater Noida West are enduring continuous injustice. The repeated rejection of the DPR is deeply unfortunate. The daily struggles of hundreds of thousands are being ignored. We demand swift government approval for the Metro project and prompt commencement of construction.”
He warned that if no action is taken, protests will escalate, with plans for a mass demonstration at Jantar Mantar on April 26.
The DPR for the 7.5-km Metro extension from Noida Sector-51 to Greater Noida West was rejected on April 3 due to technical reasons, necessitating a fresh submission and further delaying the project.
