Noida Authority Moves to Expand DTC Bus Network Across City and Beyond
The Noida Authority is poised to sign a significant agreement with the Delhi government to substantially expand the operational reach of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus services within Noida and its surrounding regions. Currently, DTC buses serve the city up to Sector 62 via the DND Flyway, with their primary depot located in Sector 16. This expansion initiative aims to extend bus routes to outer sectors, Greater Noida, and Greater Noida West, thereby strengthening the public transportation framework for residents and commuters.
Strategic Approval and Implementation Timeline
Officials have confirmed that the proposal has received in-principle approval at the state level. It is now scheduled to be presented before the Noida Authority's board for final clearance in the near future. Once the board grants its approval, detailed discussions will commence to finalize the operational modalities. These discussions will encompass critical aspects such as specific route planning, frequency of services, and scheduling to ensure optimal coverage and efficiency.
Comprehensive Network Enhancement Plan
The authority's proposal strategically aims to leverage DTC's existing fleet to connect high-density residential and commercial areas, particularly focusing on outer sectors where wider roads can accommodate larger buses without exacerbating traffic congestion. Key locations under consideration for inclusion in the extended network include Pari Chowk in Greater Noida and various parts of Greater Noida West.
Under this integrated plan, standard DTC buses will be deployed on arterial and outer routes to handle main corridor traffic. Simultaneously, the authority intends to introduce smaller feeder buses specifically designed for last-mile connectivity within inner sectors. This feeder service is proposed under the state's e-bus scheme, which earlier earmarked 500 electric buses for the region, including 300 designated for Noida.
Operational Adjustments and Feeder Bus Deployment
However, the tender process for these electric buses is currently being reworked following the expiration of the previous bidding cycle. Efforts are actively underway to have the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operate these buses instead of the Noida Authority directly managing the services. In the initial phase, approximately 100 feeder buses are expected to be deployed across Noida. These buses will play a crucial role in connecting the city's residential sectors to the major DTC corridors, ensuring seamless transit for passengers.
Broader Transportation and Connectivity Goals
Officials emphasized that this integrated approach, combining extended DTC routes with dedicated feeder services, is fundamentally intended to reduce reliance on private vehicles, alleviate traffic pressure, and provide a structured city bus transport system in alignment with Noida's rapid urban expansion. If cleared by the board, this initiative could mark the first major step towards establishing a coordinated inter-city bus network that links Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida through a unified operational framework.
Notably, in a related development, the concessionaire of the upcoming Noida International Airport has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DTC. This agreement aims to provide direct bus connectivity between Delhi and the airport, with DTC expected to operate dedicated services from key transit hubs in the national capital to Jewar, further enhancing regional transportation links.
