In the vicinity of the Capital city of Delhi is Greater NOIDA (New Okhla Industrial Development Area) - an emerging township. It is 35 minutes away from New Delhi Railway Station, 55 minutes from the international airport and is close to important industrial centres - Meerut (75 km.), Ghaziabad (25 km) and Faridabad (35 km).

The approach to NOIDA road widens into a 6 lane road with the parallel well- manicured pathways. First it is the new township of Toy City and the NOIDA Export Processing Zone. A few kilometres ahead, the entrance greets you well with the signage -Welcome to Greater NOIDA...

Development in the area had started about two decades ago when the NOIDA Export Processing Zone was earmarked alongside with the industrial hub at NOIDA. But with the bursting seams of the residential population at NOIDA, they later replaced the industrial prominence. And with the tremendous influx of the migratory population and further increasing job opportunities, NOIDA authorities had to offer residential plots in the Alpha, Gamma and Beta sectors and other areas as well.

There are various recreation projects like a golf course, health spas, hotels, commercial and other recreational facilities, ready or under final stages of construction. The famous Sterling Greater NOIDA Golf Course is of international standards. A hotel is being developed in the complex by the Jaypee Group and will cater to the needs of the complete hospitality services.

Keeping in line with the principle that infrastructure precedes development, the Greater NOIDA Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has geared itself fully to propel proper infrastructure in this fast-developing city. Although it is well connected to Delhi and a railway line passes through the area from Howrah to here, a new project is being planned so as to connect Greater NOIDA with Eastern and Western main lines. The Authority is also planning a 20-km expressway linking Greater NOIDA to the Kalindi Kunj area.

Ecotech is Greater NOIDA's exclusive Industrial area where rights of admission are reserved. In fact, over 30 polluting industries are prohibited from setting up here. However, for those allowed in, the Authority ensures not just speedy clearances and approvals but also incentives to promote early commissioning of projects. An effective single-table functioning guarantees project clearance within a month and an empowered committee continuously monitors the progress of these projects.

Industrial investment taking place in Greater NOIDA is now over Rs. 7500 crores. It has now become one of the favoured location for good industrial investment specially for multinational investment because of its good infrastructure near Delhi and effective single window system of speedy decision making and clearances.

Daewoo Motors Ltd., Escorts Yamaha Motors Ltd., Denso India Ltd., Majestic Auto Two Wheelers, Devyani Beverages Ltd., Pepsi Soft Drinks, Samtel Color Ltd., Sakura Seimitsu Ltd. Clocks & Watches , Reinz Talbros Ltd., Fibrol Ltd Industrial Oils, Asian Paints Ltd., Adhesive Tapes HPCL Ltd., LPG Bottling Plant, Nicco Batteries Ltd, T-Series Audio and Video Cassettes, Hind Polymers Ltd., Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., New Holland Tractors, L.G. Electronics, Delphi Automotive Systems Ltd. are some of the prominent industries in the area.

Greater NOIDA Industrial Development Authority is involved in residential, commercial, recreational and industrial development of trunk roads, sewerage, privatised power supply, water supply, etc. It also encourages private sector participation in the development of the township.The land rates here are in the range of Rs. 900/- to 1500/- per sq mt.

There is a proposal to set up a Toy City in an area of over 100 acres in Greater NOIDA. This will offer all the facilities for toy manufacturing, Research and Development of educational, moulded, soft, battery operated toys, wooden toys, dolls and other toy related products. Also on the anvil is an International Toy designing Institute. According to Brajesh Kumar, CEO of GNIIDA, this will be the first of its kind in Asia.

And once the proposed airport and the other business facilities are made available, the satellite concept of decentralizing the Delhi Central Business District will change. And Greater NOIDA may soon take over as the hub of activity in North India.

- Saurabh Sharma