NOIDA: The road to Sadullapur has been riddled with four- to five-foot-wide potholes for months, and the recent rain has exacerbated the situation, forcing commuters to maneuver around waterlogged holes. Similar conditions are evident in Saini, Sunpura, Vaidpura, and Maincha, among other lesser-developed areas in Greater Noida West that were designated as “smart villages” five years ago, with promises of improved infrastructure.
The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) initiated a ₹150 crore project in 2021, which pledged amenities like paved roads, streetlights, schools, Wi-Fi, drinkable water, parks, drainage systems, and community centers in several villages, including Maincha, Chhapraula, and Sadullapur. Contracts were issued that October for the redevelopment of places like Sadullapur, Tilpata, and Aminabad.
Now, five years later, residents report little has changed.
Narendra Tyagi, a commuter on the Sadullapur road, pointed out that it becomes perilous with the slightest rainfall. “During dry months, dust kicks up from passing vehicles and, after just an hour of rain last Thursday, the potholes were already filling with water,” he lamented, noting that conditions remain unchanged from last year.
Raj Singh, a resident of Sadullapur, criticized the authority’s continual delays on addressing road and sanitation issues. “We keep hearing that tenders have been issued, yet we see little improvement,” he stated.
Another local, Santosh Nagar, expressed concerns about the approach road to the villages being unsafe for travelers after dark. “Despite numerous complaints, no work has been done,” he said.
Residents argue that development associated with nearby projects like the airport and medical park has primarily benefited residential and industrial areas, neglecting the villages. “These areas are far from being smart villages,” remarked Harinder Bhati from Maincha. “Forget Wi-Fi and training centers; we don’t even have basic infrastructure like roads, sewerage connections, or streetlights. Potholed roads and garbage buildup are threatening our health and making life intolerable.”
Local environmentalist Pradeep Dahalia urged the authority to follow through on their commitments. “Villages can’t thrive on promises alone,” he stated, calling for a public list of ongoing projects, their status, and clear timelines. “What we need are actionable initiatives, not mere statements.”
A response from the GNIDA is still pending.
