Noida: An inter-state bus terminal (ISBT) will come up near Noida International Airport (NIA) to provide a centralised bus facility for passengers travelling to and from neighbouring cities and states.To this end, Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh recently met Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. “The CM agreed to the proposal and directed the additional chief secretary (transport) to initiate necessary action for setting up the bus terminal,” Singh told reporters on Sunday.Singh also submitted a formal representation to CMO, seeking directions to Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) to provide suitable land free of cost and to transport department to take the proposal forward.At present, Gautam Budh Nagar does not have a dedicated ISBT. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates inter-city bus services from Morna depot in Noida, while Greater Noida depot is located in Kasna area.The three authorities — Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) — launched 100 city buses in June to improve connectivity with the airport. The buses operate from Botanical Garden in Noida to the airport.However, they currently terminate around 1km from the terminal, requiring passengers to take a shuttle for the remaining distance. The absence of a clearly defined timetable and frequency has also made the service difficult for commuters to rely on.Officials are yet to launch a dedicated mobile application providing real-time information on routes, timings and bus availability.The proposed ISBT is expected to provide direct bus connectivity between the airport and major parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and other states. It could also serve as a key interchange for passengers travelling from different parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).Alok Singh, a resident of Greater Noida, told TOI, “With NIA expected to emerge as a major national and international transportation hub, officials and local representatives believe a dedicated ISBT could strengthen its public transport network and provide direct, affordable and convenient connectivity to passengers from across the NCR and neighbouring states. Given the fast growth of industries in Yamuna region, much of the workforce would require easy connectivity especially in western UP & Central UP”.Connectivity from several other parts of the NCR also remains a challenge. The proposed link between Yamuna Expressway and Eastern Peripheral Expressway is yet to be completed, making travel to the airport difficult for passengers from Ghaziabad and adjoining areas. The project is expected to be completed in Oct.Similarly, Faridabad-Greater Noida connectivity through Manjhawali bridge is yet to be completed.In its absence, commuters travelling from Faridabad have to take a longer route of around 60km via NH-148, Mohna Road and Bhagpur-Faridabad Road to reach Yamuna Expressway and subsequently the airport.If they take Kalindi Kunj – Noida Expressway and Yamuna Expressway, the distance will be about 80km.Some govt and private buses currently connect these catchment areas to Yamuna Expressway near Jewar toll plaza.However, passengers still face difficulties in making the final leg of the journey from the toll plaza to the airport.
