Greater Noida West: The long-pending metro project proposed for Greater Noida West has once again come under public scrutiny, with growing demands for transparency and accountability from authorities. Despite being discussed for nearly 12 years, the project has yet to see construction begin on the ground. Meanwhile, lakhs of residents in the rapidly expanding region continue to grapple with daily traffic congestion, rising pollution levels and urban chaos.
Announcements before elections, Silence after
Over the years, especially during election cycles, headlines frequently claim that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared or that central approval has been secured. However, once elections conclude, the issue appears to fade from official discourse. This recurring pattern has triggered frustration among residents who believe the metro promise is repeatedly revived for political mileage.
RTI filed after no response from the Minister’s office
In this context, social worker Naresh Nautiyal, Trustee of Sanatan Nyas Sanstha, formally submitted an application to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar seeking clarity on the actual status of the metro project.
According to Nautiyal:
- No response was received to the original application.
- Several reminders were sent, but no appointment was granted.
- The minister’s office reportedly declined a meeting, stating that the minister was “busy with Delhi elections.”
Subsequently, Nautiyal filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
No response was provided within the stipulated timeframe.
- A First Appeal was filed, yet no information was shared.
- More than nine months have passed since filing the Second Appeal, but there has been no hearing date or disclosure of information regarding the RTI request.
Key questions raised
Nautiyal has questioned why information is being withheld if all procedures related to the project are transparent and lawful. He emphasised that citizens have the right to know:
- What is the current status of the Greater Noida West Metro project?
- At which administrative level is the file pending?
- Who is responsible for the prolonged delay?
- Why are repeated public statements made every year claiming that the metro is “coming soon”?
A demand for transparency, Not politics
Nautiyal clarified that the effort is not directed against any individual but is aimed at ensuring transparency and protecting public interest. He stated that the campaign will continue until the real status of the metro project is placed in the public domain.
With Greater Noida West witnessing exponential residential growth over the past decade, the absence of robust public transport infrastructure remains a critical urban planning concern. Residents argue that without a functional metro network, traffic pressure and environmental degradation will only intensify.
As the population grows, so does the demand for answers.