Kamal Ghorui
NOIDA: Given the long-standing demand for Metro connectivity for over 3.5 lakh residents in Greater Noida West (GNW), inhabitants from over 50 housing societies of the area gathered on Sunday to take the next step forward, of staging a mass protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on April 26. The objective of this demonstration was to draw the attention of government officials and relevant authorities to the urgent need for Metro connectivity in GNW. Residents at the meeting raised slogans like Metro tumko deni padegi, hamari mangey pooori karo, DPR ka kaisa khel, kab ayegi metro rail, etc. on the occasion.Organised by Noida Extension Flat Owners Welfare Association (NEFOWA), the meeting had residents express frustration over the decade-long delay despite repeated assurances regarding the Metro project. “We have been waiting for 10 years for this essential service to be implemented. The time for mere promises is over; we need action,” said Abhishek Kumar, president of NEFOWA.Kumar informed that a major protest is set to take place at Jantar Mantar on April 26, where thousands of residents are expected to rally. The objective of this demonstration is clear: to draw the attention of government officials and relevant authorities to the urgent need for Metro connectivity in GNW, he said.Representatives from various housing societies at the meeting pledged to mobilise residents from their societies to participate in the protest, emphasising the importance of a strong turnout for the protest.The determination among residents is palpable, especially in light of a symbolic protest held last week, where participants successfully “pulled” a mock Metro pillar near the final Metro pillar, close to the Sector-71 intersection, leading towards GNW to symbolise their frustrations. This demonstration garnered widespread support.The lack of efficient public transportation has left residents grappling with severe traffic congestion and prolonged travel times, leading to mounting daily frustrations. Many residents voiced that they are no longer willing to accept empty promises and are prepared to take a stand to demand real solutions. “We are compelled to face heavy traffic congestion, wasted travel time, and daily inconveniences. We are no longer satisfied with mere assurances. We demand concrete action,” said Brijesh Kumar, a resident of GNW.The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Greater Noida West metro extension (from Noida Sector-51 to Greater Noida West) has been rejected by the Centre for the second time on April 3 on technical grounds. The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) must now prepare a fresh DPR, causing further delays to the project, which was initially reduced to a 5-station, 7.5 km route.
