In a bid to enhance regional connectivity, a new 60 km railway line has been proposed to link Chola in Bulandshahr with Rundhi in Palwal, thus creating a direct railway link between the Noida International Airport and key routes across India, including Howrah, Chennai, and Mumbai. This move is expected to transform the airport into a major transit hub and increase ease of travel for passengers.
Integration with Major Railway Routes
The proposed railway line aims to facilitate seamless connectivity from Noida International Airport by integrating it with both the Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Chennai/Mumbai railway corridors. Key junctions at Chola and Rundhi will serve as strategic points, enabling multi-directional train movement from the airport. This initiative is poised to bring significant advantages for travelers, with improved access to major Indian cities.
Ground Transportation Integration
One of the most notable aspects of the project is the planned integration of the railway station with the airport’s ground transportation center (GTC). This underground link will allow easy transfer for passengers between trains and airport facilities. According to Arun Vir Singh, CEO of Noida International Airport, the Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) will submit a detailed report on the planned rapid rail line and other transportation systems, after which the North Central Railway will finalize the detailed project report (DPR).
Estimated Cost and Construction Timeline
The construction of this crucial rail link is expected to cost approximately Rs 2,400 crore and is slated for completion within three years. The primary track, spanning 61 km, will extend from Chola to Rundhi, but the total route, including additional connections, will cover 99 km. The line will initially serve around 1.2 lakh passengers, with future potential for increased capacity as connectivity expands.
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Proposed Stations and Connectivity
The planned railway line will feature several important stations including:
- Rundhi
- Chandhat
- Jewar Khadar
- Airport
- Jahangirpur
- Bighapur
- Chola
This new infrastructure will also include the construction of five railway flyovers and a significant Yamuna River bridge. With minimal disruption to human settlements and existing structures, the alignment has been strategically designed to avoid the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. The project will also include 45 minor road crossings, further enhancing connectivity within the region.
Advanced Trains and Multi-Modal Transport Hub
The railway line will support advanced trains such as the Vande Bharat Express, ensuring quick and efficient travel to major cities like New Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, and Lucknow. The multi-modal transport hub near Dadri will also benefit from improved accessibility.
Freight Corridor and Industrial Connectivity
The project’s approval last year by the railways underscores its importance. The eastern freight corridor, running from Kolkata to Amritsar, passes close to the airport, with Chola station serving as the nearest point. On the western side, Palwal station is positioned as the closest point on the Delhi-Mumbai railway line, ensuring smooth connectivity for freight movement and supporting the airport’s development as a logistics hub.
Noida International Airport: Progress and Future Prospects
The Noida International Airport, being developed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG), is expected to be the largest airport in India upon completion. Its construction is progressing on schedule, with trial flights anticipated as early as June or July 2024. This large-scale infrastructure project will serve as a significant contributor to India’s growing aviation industry and regional development.
With the planned railway link, the airport is set to become an important transit hub, connecting Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to key Indian cities via high-speed rail, offering improved convenience for passengers and freight services alike.
