Noida: Metro Commuters Left in Lurch Amid Skywalk Delay

Noida, April 22: The skywalk, meant to seamlessly connect the two stations, has been ready for over a year yet remains closed due to technical issues.

Official Statement

Krishna Karunesh, CEO of Noida Authority, said: "An air-conditioned FOB between sectors 51 and 52 has been built but it is yet to open for use because the finishing work is on. Also, a beam coming in way of the FOB has to be demolished before it is opened to the public."

Commuters' Ordeal

In the absence of the skywalk, commuters are forced to use a poorly maintained and dusty 300m stretch that is:

• Encroached upon by roadside vendors, auto-rickshaws, and e-rickshaws

• Prone to waterlogging during rains

• Dangerous with barricades narrowing exits

Key Concerns

Bhoomika Singh, a daily commuter: "The road is encroached upon by roadside vendors, auto-rickshaws, and e-rickshaws, leaving barely any space to walk. During rains, the situation becomes worse as the broken stretch gets inundated."

Rushmeet Kaur, another commuter: "To create parking space, authorities have barricaded entry and exit points of Sector 51 station with iron sheets, forcing people to walk an additional 100-150 metres. This is not just inconvenient — it is dangerous. In an emergency, such restrictions could prove catastrophic."

Ashwini Singh, a college student: "This is not just inconvenience; it is a disaster waiting to happen. The combination of waterlogging, congestion, and lack of proper pathways creates conditions ripe for a stampede."

Additional Issues

• Construction of a mall between the two stations has led to extensive barricading

• Complete absence of traffic regulation

• Space taken over by auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws