India, April 18 -- The New Okhla Industrial Development(Noida) Authority marked its 50th foundation day on Friday with traditional rituals and a renewed push towards future ready urban development, even as it reflected on five decades of transformation from a planned township to a major economic hub.Celebrations were held at the Authority office, where officials and employees participated in hawan and puja ceremonies followed by a cake-cutting event. Senior officials highlighted the Authority's journey since its establishment in 1976, when Noida was conceived to decongest Delhi and promote industrialisation. Over the years, the city has evolved into one of NCR's most prominent centres for IT, manufacturing, and real estate growth. Also Read - LPG supply steadies, patchy distribution raises concerns From wide road networks and planned residential sectors to world-class expressways and metro connectivity, the Authority has played a key role in shaping urban infrastructure. Projects such as the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the upcoming Noida International Airport have significantly boosted connectivity and investment prospects in the region. In recent years, the Authority has also focused on improving governance and public services. A new administrative headquarters in Sector 96-expected to centralise departments and enhance efficiency is nearing completion. Policy initiatives, including plot schemes for farmers and decisions taken in board meetings, aim to address land-related grievances and streamline development. Also Read - Crime Branch bust MDMA supply network in south Delhi, 2 arrested The Authority has also promoted community engagement through events like the annual flower festival, which encourages environmental awareness and citizen participation.However, challenges remain. Issues such as stalled housing projects, traffic congestion, and calls for more citizen-centric governance continue to test the Authority's functioning. Marking the milestone, officials reiterated their commitment to sustainable development, better infrastructure, and transparent governance. As Noida enters its sixth decade, the Authority aims to strengthen its position as a global investment destination while improving quality of life for residents.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.