The central government has asked for changes to the plan for a new rail line connecting Ghaziabad to the Noida International Airport. The project, which would cost over ₹20,000 crore, involves a 72.4 km elevated track with 22 stations.
Questions About Combining Different Train Types
The main concern is whether it’s a good idea to run different types of trains – metro, light rail, and rapid rail – on the same tracks. This raises questions about safety, efficiency, and potential problems with trains running at different speeds.
Reviewing the Plan
The Uttar Pradesh government is now reviewing the plan to address these concerns. They are looking at things like the location of stations, the route of the rail line, and how to make the project more cost-effective.
Possible Changes
The original plan included a light rail system, but this might be removed to simplify things and avoid problems with different train speeds sharing the same tracks.
Original Proposal
The initial proposal was for a rail line that could handle both metro and rapid rail services. It included 22 stations, with some for both types of trains and others just for metro.
Combining with Existing Systems
The plan also included using part of the existing Aqua Line metro extension and possibly connecting a pod taxi system (although the pod taxi idea was later dropped). There were also plans to connect a light rail system to the airport.
Operational Challenges
The idea of running three different train services on the same tracks, separated by loops and sections, has been questioned. The proposed schedule, with different trains running at different times, might also need to be changed.
Addressing Concerns and Moving Forward
The Uttar Pradesh government is working to address the concerns raised by the central government. This is important to get the project approved and ensure that the rail line is safe and efficient for passengers.
