The Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) Flyway stands as a key link in the National Capital Region’s road network, cutting down travel time between South Delhi and Noida to under 15 minutes on a good day. Opened in February 2001, this 9.2-km eight-lane expressway crosses the Yamuna river with a 552-metre main bridge and connects Maharani Bagh in Delhi to Sector 15A in Noida. Before its launch, commuters faced long delays on older routes like Kalindi Kunj road. Today, over one lakh vehicles use it daily, easing pressure on other paths and boosting movement of people and goods across the region. Built at a cost of around Rs 408 crore, it was India’s first major road project with electronic toll collection lanes.

The DND Flyway came up under the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, a form of Public-Private Partnership (PPP). An agreement signed in 1997 involved the Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS), Noida Authority, and Delhi government. The Noida Toll Bridge Company Limited (NTBCL) handled construction, with work awarded to Japan’s Mitsui-Marubeni Corporation. Noida Authority holds a small equity stake. This setup allowed private funds and expertise to build the road fast, completing it ahead of schedule. A 1.5-km extension to Mayur Vihar opened in 2008, further smoothing access to east Delhi. The project showed how PPP can bridge gaps where public money falls short, especially across state borders.

Better connectivity through DND Flyway sparked big changes in Delhi-NCR. It links directly to the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway on one end and Delhi’s Ring Road on the other. Recent additions like the Ashram flyover extension, opened in March 2023, help skip three traffic signals and cut congestion at key spots. Ongoing work on NH-148A will connect DND to Sohna and further to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, with parts expected ready by the end of this year 2025. This will open direct routes to Faridabad, Jewar airport, Jaipur, and beyond, easing load on NH-44 and NH-48. Another link to Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway under Bharatmala will improve ties to Haryana and western UP.

Noida has seen sharp growth thanks to this road. What started as an industrial area in 1976 turned into a major IT and commercial hub. Sectors near DND, like 2, 12, and 22, now host multinational firms, business parks, and the Noida Special Economic Zone. Real estate boomed as offices and homes sprang up along the expressway. Property prices rose steadily, with rental yields around 3-4 per cent in prime spots. Educational institutes and retail outlets followed, drawing families and professionals. The flyway made Noida a preferred satellite town, close to Delhi jobs but with more space. Upcoming projects like Noida International Airport at Jewar will add more push, creating jobs and demand for housing.

The PPP model brought private efficiency to public infrastructure needs. Government land and clearances joined hands with private funds to finish the project much faster than what full public funding often manages. NHAI has since rolled out similar setups for hundreds of highways, including Toll-Operate-Transfer deals. NTBCL played a big role in this success—handling construction through global partners, completing the flyway ahead of time, and maintaining it in top condition for years with regular upgrades. Early delivery gave users quick relief from traffic jams, while private upkeep ensured smooth rides and fewer breakdowns. This hands-on approach by NTBCL turned DND into a reliable lifeline, setting a solid example for private players in road building across the country.

Despite hurdles, DND Flyway sets an example for PPP in roads. National Highways Authority of India has awarded concessions for projects worth lakhs of crores under this model. It proves private players can deliver quality when contracts balance risks. For Delhi-NCR, it turned Noida from outskirts to a bustling centre. As more links like DND-Sohna and elevated roads to Sector 57 come up, the region will get even tighter knit.

In the coming years, PPP will remain crucial for infra push. With India aiming for world-class roads, models like BOOT can speed things up without straining public budgets. DND Flyway’s story highlights the gains: shorter commutes, booming economies, and liveable cities. As Noida grows further with Jewar airport and metro expansions, the foundation laid by this expressway will keep paying off for millions in Delhi-NCR.

K. Fernandes is an academician, infrastructure strategist, and advisor on public-private partnerships (PPP) with extensive experience in urban development, investment planning, and policy formulation. He has worked closely with government bodies, multilateral institutions, and private stakeholders to design and implement sustainable infrastructure solutions. As a thought leader in urban transformation and infrastructure finance, he brings a unique amalgamation of academic insight and practical expertise to the evolving landscape of India’s development story.

The Defence Minister further said that Operation Sindoor, is a result of determination, courage, and science. He stated that it is not only a testament to the bravery of Indian soldiers, but also proves the calibre of scientific innovations of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that a nation becomes strong only with the coordination of arms and knowledge. He said Uttar Pradesh is playing a leading role in defence production.

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/up-drone-manufacturing-company-inaugurated-in-noida/

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said The new India of the 21st century is building one of the best modern infrastructure today. “Better roads, better rail network, better airports are not just infrastructure projects but they transform the entire region, transforming people’s lives completely”, he said.

The Prime Minister said Noida International Airport will become the logistics gateway of northern India. This airport will make the entire region a powerful symbol of the National Gatishakti Masterplan, he added.

Commenting on the economic fallout of infrastructure development, the Prime Minister said employment opportunities are created during airport construction. The airport also requires thousands of people to run smoothly.Therefore “this airport will also give new employment to thousands of people of western UP”.

The Prime Minister remarked that after 7 decades of independence, for the first time, Uttar Pradesh has started getting what it has always deserved. With the efforts of the double engine government, today Uttar Pradesh is turning into the most connected region of the country. He said, NOIDA International Airport will play a major role in the growing aviation sector of India and will be a key center of maintenance, repair and operations of aircrafts. He informed that the Maintenance, repair and overhaul MRO facility is coming up in 40 acre, giving employment to hundreds of young people. Today India spends thousands of crore rupees for getting these services abroad.

Commenting on the integrated multi-modal cargo hub that is coming up, he said that in a land-locked state like Uttar Pradesh  airport will be very useful. This hub will serve industrial centres like Aligarh, Mathura, Meerut, Agra, Bijnor, Moradabad and Bareilly. He said Khurja artisans, Meerut Sports Industry, Saharanpur furniture, brass industry of Moradabad, Agra footwear and Petha industry will get huge support from the upcoming infrastructure.

The Prime Minister said Uttar Pradesh, which the previous governments kept in deprivation and darkness,the Uttar Pradesh which was shown false dreams by the previous governments is making its mark not only nationally but also internationally. The Prime Minister cited Jewar airport as an example of how the earlier governments in UP and at the Center ignored the development of western Uttar Pradesh. He said two decades ago the BJP government of UP had conceptualised this project. But later this airport was entangled in the tussle of the earlier governments in Delhi and Lucknow for many years. The government which was earlier in UP had written a letter to the then central government and told that the project of this airport should be shelved. Now with the efforts of the double engine government, today we are witnessing the Bhumi Pujan of the same airport.

The Prime Minister said “infrastructure is not part of politics for us but part of national policy (Rashtra Niti). We are making sure that the projects do not get stuck, do not hang in limbo or do not go astray. We try to ensure that the infrastructure work is completed within the stipulated time”.

The Prime Minister commented that some political parties in our country have always kept their self-interest paramount. “The thinking of these people is self-interest, only their own and the development of their family. Whereas we follow the spirit of nation first. Sabka Saath – Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas – Sabka Efforts is our mantra”, The Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister listed the recent initiatives undertaken by the government. He talked about the milestone of 100 crore vaccine doses, determination of net zero goal by 2070, Kushinagar Airport, 9 medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh, new dam and irrigation projects in Mahoba, Defence corridor and related projects in Jhansi, Purvanchal expressway, celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, modern railway station in Bhopal, National highway in Pandharpur, Maharashtra and, today, Noida International Airport. “Selfish policies of certain political parties could not stand in front of our patriotism and national service”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Six more cases have tested positive in Agra, Uttar Pradesh having contact history with case in Delhi. Required action as per Cluster Management plan has been initiated. Further, an Italian Tourist & his wife have tested positive in Rajasthan. 14 other accompanying tourists in this group and their Indian bus driver tested positive on their return to Delhi. All of them are reported to be stable. A recent positive case has also been reported in Delhi yesterday (having travel history from Italy) and is stable.

The ever increasing magnitude of this outbreak globally calls for a concerted effort by not only health but all sectors of Government. Honourable Prime Minister is personally monitoring the preparedness and response on a regular basis .Government of India has initiated a series of action to prevent entry of the disease and to contain it. I am daily reviewing the situation. A Group of Ministers consisting of Minister of External Affairs, Minister of Civil Aviation and Minister of State for Home Affairs, Minister of State for Shipping and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare chaired by me have been constituted to monitor the situation.

The Group of Ministers has met four times since its inception on 3rd February, 2020. Cabinet Secretary is taking regular reviews with all related Ministries of Health, Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Home, Textiles, Pharma, Commerce and other officials including with State Chief Secretaries. My own Ministry is constantly reviewing the evolving scenario. Video Conferences are being held with States every other day.

Government of India has also taken several measures to control the risk of novel Corona virus infection spreading to India. Our First Travel Advisory was issued on 17th January 2020 and as situation is evolving, the travel advisories are accordingly getting revised.

Presently it prescribes, All regular (sticker) Visas/e-Visa (including Visa on Arrival for Japan and South Korea) granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and issued on or before 03.03.2020 and who have not yet entered India, stand suspended with immediate effect.

Regular (sticker) visa / e-Visa granted to nationals of Peoples Republic of China, issued on or before 05.02.2020 were suspended earlier. It shall remain in force.

Regular (sticker) visas/e-Visas granted to all foreign nationals who have travelled to Peoples Republic of China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on or after 01.02.2020, and who have not yet entered India stand suspended with immediate effect.

Diplomats, officials of UN and other International bodies, OCI cardholders and Aircrew from above countries are exempted from such restriction on entry. However, their screening at point of entry is compulsory.

Passengers of all international flights entering into India from any port are required to furnish duly filled self-declaration form (including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) and travel history, to Health Officials and Immigration officials at all ports.

Indian citizens are advised to refrain from travel to China, Iran, Republic of Korea, Italy & Japan and advised to avoid non-essential travel to other COVID-19 affected countries.

The couple has been kept in isolation at Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital.

India had earlier reported three cases from Kerala, including two medical students from Wuhan in China, the epicentre of the deadly novel coronavirus. They have now recovered.

Twenty-one Italian tourists and three Indian tour operators, who were in the same group as the couple, have been sent to an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) quarantine facility in Delhi for suspected exposure, said official sources.

Meanwhile, two private schools in Noida were shut on Tuesday for the next few days after the father of one of their students tested positive for Coronavirus. Several people, including his family members, were quarantined or kept in isolation as authorities stepped up prevention efforts, including suspending existing regular and e-visas to nationals of four other affected countries. These include Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan.

As concerns over the spread of the virus mounted after two more persons tested positive on Monday – one in Delhi and another in Telangana — Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an extensive review on the preparedness. He also urged the people not to panic and instead take basic protective measures.

Amid the scare in Delhi-NCR, the demand for surgical and N95 masks increased manifold in Noida, with some people claiming they were being sold at rates much higher than the actual cost.

The World Health Organization warned that protective gear such as masks and goggles used by health workers fighting the new coronavirus were running out, warning against “hoarding and misuse”.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) barred entry-exit at 19 stations, including Rajiv Chowk, to restrict the movement of those protesting against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act. Seven metro stations were shut through the day due to the protests at Jama Masjid and India Gate.

 It seems that the crop residue burning in the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana are contributing to polluting the air. At around 8:30 am, the overall AQI in Delhi docked up at 309.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has shared an image from NASA showing large-scale stubble burning in adjoining states. Sharing the images, the Delhi government said: “The latest image from NASA shows large-scale crop residue burning in states surrounding Delhi.”

The image showed stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, along with other areas.The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party government has blamed these stubble burning activity.

From the past one week, the air quality of the national capital has seen constantly decreasing. The smog level will rise, particularly after the Diwali festival. The situation may begin to worsen during the November start as that will be peak time for burning .

The toilet, located in the Sector 50 market, was inaugurated by Noida Authority Chairman Alok Tandon and CEO Ritu Maheshwari.

“This ‘Pink Toilet’ has essentially been made keeping in mind the needs of women and girls. It will be open from 8 in the morning to 8 in the night and will be absolutely free of cost,” Maheshwari said.

“There is a vending machine for sanitary napkins in the toilet as well and it also has a proper disposal system for the used ones,” she said. Maheshwari, who had joined as NOIDA CEO last month, had directed the public health department for constructing ‘Pink Toilets’

“More such toilets will come up in the city soon and their location is being surveyed. Ten more such toilets are expected to come up within the next two months,” she added.

the authority is planning a tie-up with a government-backed agency for setting up infrastructure for mobility based on clean energy.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) is signed between Noida Authority and EESL, a joint venture of public sector undertakings under the Union Ministry of Power, a senior official said.

“Survey work is underway to finalise the spots where these stations will come up. There will be 100 stations across Noida. Three of them — at Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra and commercial hubs of Sector 18 and Sector 62 — are proposed to come up within a week of the signing of the MoU,” an authority official said.

The MoU  signed in the presence of NOIDA Chairperson Alok Tandon, CEO Ritu Maheshwari and EESL Managing Director Saurabh Kumar, the official said.

According to the official, the authority is also planning to lease five electric vehicles from EESL to be used for official purposes.

Work is underway at other six sites for charging stations. Three of these stations will be on road, while three off road, with each having a capacity of at least 11 kV, they said. Vehicle growth in the country has been rapid in the recent years, with ownership per 1,000 population increasing from 53 in 2001 to 167 in 2015, according to 2018 NITI Aayog report ‘Zero Emission Vehicles: Towards a Policy Framework’.

Earlier this year, the central government had issued a set of guidelines to set up charging stations for electric vehicles across the country, outlining ways to build such fuelling points every 25 km.

According to the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, the government expects 25 per cent of the total vehicles on roads will be electric vehicles by 2030, necessitating to erect robust electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the country.

The ministry had made amendments to the Model Building Byelaws (MBBL) 2016 and the Urban Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines 2014, making provisions for establishing EV charging infrastructure.