NOIDA:The Noida Authority has approved the construction of an arch flyover across the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway between sectors 148 and 150, aimed at providing direct connectivity between areas on either side of the expressway and easing congestion, officials announced on Friday.The project, estimated to cost around ₹85 crore, was approved by Noida Authority chief executive officer Krishna Karunesh. Officials said preparations for the project have begun. (HT PHOTO)The project, estimated to cost around ₹85 crore, was approved by Noida Authority chief executive officer Krishna Karunesh. Officials said preparations for the project have begun.“The preparations have begun for the construction of a proposed flyover between Sector 148 and Sector 150 on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. The objective of this project by the Noida Authority is to provide direct cross-expressway connectivity between sectors located on both sides of the expressway,” said AK Arora, general manager, Noida Authority.At present, commuters travelling between sectors 148, 149, 150, 151, 152 and 153 have to use existing cuts and interchanges on the expressway to cross from one side to the other. This often requires them to travel an additional distance and adds to congestion, particularly during peak hours, officials said.The proposed flyover is expected to provide a direct crossing between the sectors, reducing the need to use existing interchanges and helping cut travel time.Officials said the project was also necessitated by the rapid development of Sector 150, which has emerged as a major residential hub with several premium high-rise projects. The increasing population in the area is expected to put further pressure on the existing road network.The Authority estimates that around two lakh people living in the affected sectors will directly benefit from the project. Residents of around 20 nearby villages are also expected to gain improved connectivity.“The Authority is preparing the project keeping future traffic requirements in mind,” officials said, adding that the flyover is expected to improve movement between surrounding sectors without disrupting traffic on the expressway.The project is also aimed at reducing congestion points and improving vehicular movement in an area where residential and other development is expanding rapidly.Residents of Sector 150 said they have been seeking better connectivity across the expressway, particularly because of congestion at existing crossing points.“When we come from Delhi side towards Sector 150 or if we want to go to Sector 150 side, we have to face huge traffic congestion in the absence of a seamless route to cross to the other side. Once this flyover is built, it will benefit not only those living in Sector 150 but also those who travel in this area,” said Jitendra Singh, a Sector 150 resident.The Authority said further work on the project, including detailed planning and construction-related preparations, will now be taken up.