Ghaziabad Infrastructure Development: New Roads and Rail Innovations

Image credits: Source Link

The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has planned the construction of four new roads to enhance connectivity in and around Raj Nagar Extension (RNE), with an estimated project cost of ₹51 crore. The move aims to ease traffic congestion and boost residential and commercial accessibility in the area. Among the planned roads, a 24-meter-wide road will link Delhi-Meerut Road with the Outer Ring Road in RNE, while another 45-meter-wide road is set to be built in Sikroad village, and two additional 18-meter-wide roads will connect the embankment road to Noor Nagar village and the backside of the River Heights high-rise.

The new roads will not only benefit commuters but also facilitate better connectivity for residential and commercial areas in RNE, including the proposed Harnandipuram housing scheme. Additionally, the new roads will allow developers to obtain an increased floor-area ratio (FAR), enabling vertical expansion of their projects. This will help the authority generate revenue through map sanction fees and partially offset infrastructure costs. Residents have long complained about traffic congestion in RNE, as its main road serves as a bypass for vehicles travelling towards Meerut and Uttarakhand.

Meanwhile, India's rail network is witnessing significant growth, with over 8 billion passengers annually, and is expected to increase further. To ensure reliability, efficiency, and sustainability, the rail network requires effective maintenance and innovative technologies. The country is bringing in newer, faster trains, developing a High-Speed Rail (HSR) system, and expanding Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) networks in major cities. A series of panel discussions, Mint Rail Vision by Alstom, have delved into the rapidly evolving world of rail innovation in India, discussing how emerging technologies like predictive maintenance can help optimize operations and deliver a superior passenger experience.

Experts have highlighted the importance of exploring and implementing new maintenance strategies to support both operational efficiency and a positive passenger experience. Globally, rail maintenance practices have evolved, with a shift towards lifecycle-based models that offer potential benefits to both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and operators. The newer lifecycle-based approach integrates maintenance responsibilities into the initial acquisition process, with the manufacturer often assuming oversight of maintenance activities from the outset. This approach is factored into the overall cost of the rolling stock, maximizing utilization and minimizing downtime.

Some of the key points to note in the development of Ghaziabad's infrastructure and India's rail network include: * The construction of four new roads in Ghaziabad to enhance connectivity and ease traffic congestion * The development of new maintenance strategies to support operational efficiency and passenger experience in India's rail network * The shift towards lifecycle-based models in rail maintenance practices * The importance of predictive maintenance in minimizing downtime and ensuring passenger safety * The need for skilled personnel and effective asset management systems to support timely and effective repairs * The focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the use of solar energy and renewable energy sources.