NEFOMA

NOIDA: Nearly four months after the government in Uttar Pradesh changed hands, the three development authorities — Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway — held their long-awaited board meetings on Monday. Metro connectivity remained the focus of Noida Authority at its 176th board meeting. Apart from approving the DPR for a Metro extension between Kalindi Kunj and Botanical Garden, Noida Authority also gave its nod to a 7km link to Noida Extension. An exclusive Metro route between Noida and Greater Noida also got the board's clearance.

For the year 2012-13, the Authority allotted a total budget of Rs 7,021 crore for Noida. Of this, nearly 43% (Rs 3,000 crore) was allocated for development and infrastructure, besides Rs 500 crore for Metro extension.

"The long-pending DPR of the 3.9km Metro route between Kalindi Kunj and Botanical Garden will now be forwarded to the state government for approval. After that an MoU will be signed and then we will release the funds for its commencement," said Sanjiv Saran, CEO, Noida Authority.

In an effort to provide Metro connectivity to lakhs of people who would reside in the 'affordable housing hub' Noida Extension in the next 2-3 years, the board approved a proposal to extend the City Center Metro line till the crossing of sectors 71 and 72. A DPR will soon be prepared for this line. While the stations will be marked soon, Noida Authority officials said at least two stations will fall in Noida Extension, near Gaur roundabout and Eco Village-III. "This 7km route will cost Rs 1,800 crore. Of this, Rs 1,100 crore will be shared between Noida and Greater Noida," Saran said.

A special Metro line connecting the twin cities also got the green signal. "We are working on a PPP model and studying the feasibility of constructing this 35km line. The project is estimated to cost Rs 200 crore per km," the CEO said.

The Authority fast-tracked proposals for the widening of two bridges over the Shahdara drain near Film City and before the Okhla Barrage. The board also approved the setting up of a centralized emergency helpline number that will cater to police, medical and fire emergencies. The number will be functional 24x7. "We are in the process of finalizing the blueprint of this project and should launch it on August 15," Saran said.

The Authority plans to establish a Rs 100 crore, IIT-Roorkee approved, UASB technology driven sewage disposal system, and identify a sanitary land fill site in Sector 123. Construction of underpasses, flyovers and foot over bridges across the city is also on the cards. Special schemes will be launched for banks and nursing homes which have been displaced after the Supreme Court ruling barring all commercial activity from non-conforming areas.