Noida: The Noida Authority has sanctioned over Rs 34 crore for the repair and upgrade of the four-lane Yamuna Pushta road, located downstream of the Okhla Barrage. Constructed in 2014, this stretch has suffered significant deterioration due to heavy traffic and rainfall, resulting in numerous potholes and safety hazards.
Repair Work Scheduled for May
Repair operations are set to commence in May. Officials have highlighted that this road will serve as a crucial alternative to the Noida Expressway once commercial activities begin at the Noida International Airport in June.
Background and Current Condition
According to Noida officials, the embankment separates residential sectors such as 94, 125, 126, 127, 128, 132, and 135, along with areas like Asgharpur, Raipur, Nangla Nangli, and Wajidpur, from the Yamuna river, providing flood protection. However, after nearly 12 years of use and high traffic volume, the road has developed potholes and rough patches.
"Due to heavy traffic flow, leakage from gabion boxes and blockage of drainage pipes have also led to pothole formation. This has made commuting difficult. We have decided to strengthen and upgrade this road, which includes resurfacing, installation of crash barriers, gabion grounding, and painting works. The Noida Authority has approved a budget of Rs 34.18 crore for this project. The redevelopment will ensure smooth commuting on this road," said AK Arora, Noida Authority.
MoU with Irrigation Department
The Authority will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the irrigation department, which will carry out the redevelopment work starting next month.
Commuter Concerns
For hundreds of daily commuters, the potholes and dust pollution have made the journey a hassle. "There is also roadside debris, and this road is not motorable now. It should be repaired at the earliest," said SK Maheshwari, a resident of Jaypee Wish Town in Sector 128.
Importance as Alternative Route
This road serves as a key backup to the Noida Expressway, which remains heavily congested during peak hours. The 25-kilometer-long Noida Expressway, an arterial link between Delhi and Greater Noida, carries traffic from multiple entry points, including the DND Flyway, Chilla border, and Kalindi Kunj. During office hours, traffic from adjoining sectors spills onto the corridor, often leading to slow-moving traffic and longer commute times.
Additional Developments
The 11.2-kilometer stretch from Kalindi Kunj to Sector 135 is also scheduled for redevelopment next month. The Noida Authority is preparing an estimate to upgrade the remaining 15-kilometer stretch up to Sector 150, officials said.
Noida has also planned to develop an alternate route to the Noida Expressway that will connect the Chilla elevated road with a Link Road, which will later connect to the Pushta road. This alternative route will play a key role in managing traffic, supplementing the Noida Expressway, officials added.
