Noida's Sector 51-52 Skywalk Faces Additional 1.5-Month Delay Due to Structural Obstruction
The much-anticipated 400-metre skywalk linking Sector 51 and Sector 52 metro stations in Noida will not open for at least another month and a half, according to officials from the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC). The delay stems from a beam at the Sector 51 station that is blocking the entry point of the completed structure.
Official Decision to Modify Route Instead of Removing Beam
Noida Authority CEO and NMRC managing director Krishna Karunesh explained that after reviewing two options—shifting the beam or altering the foot overbridge route—authorities decided against removing the beam. This decision was made because the metro structure was designed for long-term use, and altering it could compromise integrity. Karunesh stated, "NMRC and DMRC have approved the second option, and we are now modifying the foot-overbridge route. It will take one month or one and a half months more to complete the process."
Commuters Endure Hardships Amid Ongoing Delays
The delay exacerbates the difficulties faced by daily commuters on this busy interchange stretch. Originally, a covered walkway connected the two stations when the Aqua Line metro became operational in 2019, but it was dismantled for construction work. Since then, commuters have had to walk the 400-metre distance in the open, often contending with:
- Harsh weather conditions, including recent rains that caused waterlogging, forcing pedestrians to navigate using bricks.
- Heavy traffic and poor regulation, with autos and e-rickshaws blocking the path after being relocated from outside Sector 52 station.
- Encroachments by street vendors selling items like juice, lemonade, and books, further narrowing the walkway.
- Ongoing mall construction that has led to barricading with iron sheets, choking access and leaving a poorly managed stretch.
A daily commuter highlighted these issues, noting the lack of traffic regulation and the challenging conditions during inclement weather.
Project Background and Challenges
The L-shaped, air-conditioned skywalk, equipped with travelators, was launched in March 2023 with a one-year completion target. The Noida Authority has invested Rs 40 crore in this project. However, it has faced multiple hurdles:
- Construction curbs imposed by the National Green Tribunal during winter, slowing progress.
- A redesign from a single-pillar structure to a two-column support system after the discovery of an underground metro cable during excavation.
These factors, combined with the current beam obstruction, have contributed to the extended timeline, leaving commuters awaiting relief from the arduous walk between the two metro stations.
