In a significant escalation of their long-standing demands, residents of Greater Noida West gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on April 26, 2026, to protest for urgent Metro connectivity. Organized by the Noida Extension Flat Owners Welfare Association (NEFOWA), this demonstration comes in the wake of the Centre’s rejection of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Greater Noida West metro extension on April 3.
Approximately 3.5 lakh residents have been waiting for over a decade for the implementation of Metro services that they believe are essential for their daily commutes. The protest saw participation from around 50 housing societies, all united in their call for action.
“We have been waiting for 10 years for this essential service to be implemented. The time for mere promises is over; we need action,” stated Abhishek Kumar, president of NEFOWA, voicing the collective frustration of the residents.
The protestors raised slogans demanding immediate action on the Metro project, emphasizing the urgent need for reliable public transport in their area. A symbolic act during the protest involved participants pulling a mock Metro pillar, illustrating their determination to see the project realized.
In a related incident, tensions flared in Noida Phase 2 as workers protested for a salary hike, leading to vandalism and arrests. Police were forced to use tear gas to control the situation, resulting in 50 arrests and significant traffic disruptions across the area.
During these protests, two vehicles were set on fire in Sector 84, further escalating the unrest. Authorities responded by issuing a traffic advisory due to ongoing congestion and diversions caused by the protests.
Brijesh Kumar, a resident of Greater Noida West, expressed his frustrations, stating, “We are compelled to face heavy traffic congestion, wasted travel time, and daily inconveniences. We are no longer satisfied with mere assurances. We demand concrete action.”
The Noida Police have urged workers to maintain peace and restraint, assuring that necessary action is being taken while minimizing the use of force. “We are committed to ensuring safety and order during these protests,” a police spokesperson remarked.
As the protests continue, the residents remain resolute in their demands, hoping that their voices will finally lead to the long-awaited Metro connectivity that has been promised for years.
