Noida

Noida, short for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority, was formally established on April 17, 1976. The city was created under the UP Industrial Area Development Act to promote the development of an urban area in the traditional rural hinterland of Uttar Pradesh. The site was chosen because it offered a suitable locale for the influx of industries while being close to the national capital, New Delhi. Since then, Noida has grown to become a prominent metropolitan hub in northern India, known for its modern infrastructure and rapid economic growth.

The Supertech Twin Towers in Noida became infamous after the Allahabad High Court ordered their demolition on August 31, 2013, due to violation of building regulations and undue favoritism in granting permits. The controversy highlighted issues of corruption and the lack of adherence to urban planning norms. It stressed the importance of lawful building practices and the enforcement of regulations to prevent the exploitation of urban spaces, setting a precedent for other construction projects in India.

In a widely covered event on May 20, 2014, the CEO of the Noida Authority was suspended amid allegations of corruption and irregularities in land allotment. The suspension was part of a larger government crackdown on corruption within the public administration of Noida, leading to several investigations and reforms. The incident brought to light the challenges in governance facing rapidly developing urban regions and prompted actions towards transparency and accountability in public office management.

In February 2015, the introduction of the odd-even vehicle rule in Noida aimed to reduce pollution levels in the city. This rule was part of a larger effort alongside the Delhi government initiatives to tackle air quality issues. Under this rule, vehicles with odd and even-numbered license plates were allowed on the roads on alternate days. The initiative highlighted the critical issues of air pollution and the urgent need for sustainable urban mobility solutions in rapidly urbanizing centers such as Noida.

On September 2016, the Supreme Court of India ordered Ansal Properties and Infrastructure to refund the money investors paid for flats in their Megapolis project in Noida. This was a landmark judgment as several real estate buyers were struggling to get justice against defaulting builders. The decision was hailed as a breakthrough in upholding the rights of homebuyers and was significant in reshaping the real estate market trends in Noida, giving buyers more confidence to pursue legal actions when required.

DLF Mall of India was inaugurated in Noida on June 12, 2017, as one of the largest shopping malls in India. Spread over 2 million square feet, it houses over 330 brands, multiple international stores, a variety of dining and entertainment options, and a massive 7-screen PVR multiplex. The mall has become a landmark in Noida for shopping, providing a luxurious shopping experience and playing a crucial part in the retail economy of the region, attracting visitors from nearby cities and beyond.

On October 31, 2018, Statues of Unity, which is not located in Noida but significant in the business context, marked a monumental day as the world's tallest statue standing 182 meters was unveiled. While in Noida, several companies participated in its design or investment, symbolizing Noida's involvement in national scale projects, showcasing its technological and industrial expertise. It highlighted the capability of companies based out of Noida to contribute to massive national infrastructure projects.

January 28, 2019, marked the launch of the Aqua Line of the Noida Metro, connecting the cities of Noida and Greater Noida. This was a major infrastructure project aimed at improving the public transport system. The Aqua Line is spread over 29.7 kilometers with 21 stations and is managed by the Noida Metro Rail Corporation. The introduction of this metro line has significantly eased the daily commute for thousands of people and has further integrated the regions of Noida and Greater Noida.

The nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic that started on March 24, 2020, had a significant impact on Noida due to its proximity to Delhi and its nature as an industrial hub. The city saw a complete cessation of construction activities, and many companies adopted work-from-home policies, drastically reducing the daily urban traffic. The lockdown measures highlighted the need for adaptable infrastructure and urban planning in rapidly growing cities like Noida. Moreover, it brought attention to the challenges of managing migrant workers and maintaining economic stability during pandemic situations.

On November 25, 2021, the construction of Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, was officially started. This airport is set to become the largest airport in India upon completion, and it marks an important milestone for the region in terms of international connectivity and economic development. The airport's construction highlights Noida's growth as an important urban center in the NCR and is expected to boost tourism, trade, and employment in the area.