The Noida Metro Rail Corporation said it is likely to issue a tender to finalise an agency to begin work on a key corridor in Greater Noida West. The corporation stated that it has obtained all required no-objection certificates, paving the way for work at the site, and that the detailed project report is with the Prime Minister's Office while the cabinet is expected to grant approval this month, according to the managing director.

In July the Public Investment Board cleared the proposed eight point four km elevated corridor from Noida Sector 51 to Greater Noida West Sector four. The plan comprises five stations at Sectors 61, 70, 122 and 123 and Greater Noida Sector four near Gaur Chowk and is estimated to cost nearly Rs 20 billion (bn). Officials indicated the project could take four years to complete once work commences.

Planners say the corridor is expected to provide an alternative to road transport and ease commuting through the heavily congested Gaur Chowk area. The scheme is expected to benefit nearly half a million residents of Greater Noida West who currently have limited public transport options and largely depend on road based transport for daily travel. The elevated link is being promoted as a means to reduce road congestion and journey times.

The corporation said that once mandatory approvals are secured a tender will be issued to appoint a developer and work can then commence on site. Officials noted that procurement and contractor selection processes will follow prescribed norms and that timelines will be finalised after appointment of the developer. The authority indicated it will move to the next stage swiftly once cabinet sanction and other clearances are received.