Noida

Noida
source
Name	Noida
Settlement type	City
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Uttar Pradesh
Subdivision type2	Division
Subdivision name2	Meerut division
Subdivision type3	District
Subdivision name3	Gautam Buddh Nagar district
Established title	Established
Established date	17 April 1976
Founder	Sanjay Gandhi
Government type	Municipal corporation
Governing body	Noida Authority
Leader title	Chairman
Leader name	Manoj Kumar Singh
Area total km2	203
Elevation m	200
Population total	637,272
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Languages
Demographics1 title1	Official
Demographics1 info1	Hindi
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Postal code type	PIN
Postal code	201301
Area code type	Telephone code
Area code	+91-120
Registration plate	UP-16
Website	noidaauthorityonline.in

Noida is a planned city located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a major part of the National Capital Region and serves as the administrative headquarters of Gautam Buddh Nagar district. The city is a prominent hub for information technology, electronics manufacturing, and corporate offices, with a modern infrastructure that includes extensive expressways and metro connectivity.

History

The city was established on 17 April 1976 under the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Area Development Act and was conceived as part of an urbanization push by the Government of India. Its name is an acronym for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority, referencing the nearby area of Okhla. The initial master plan was heavily influenced by the vision of Sanjay Gandhi, and the city's development was managed by the Noida Authority. Significant expansion occurred following the economic liberalization of the 1990s, attracting major multinational corporations and transforming it from an industrial township into a major urban center. Key events in its growth include the establishment of the Noida Special Economic Zone and its integration into the expanding Delhi Metro network.

Geography

Noida is situated on the banks of the Hindon River, a tributary of the Yamuna, in the Indo-Gangetic plain. It shares its western border with Delhi and is adjacent to the city of Ghaziabad. The region features a flat topography with an average elevation of approximately 200 meters above sea level. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers, a monsoon season, and cool winters. Major green spaces within its planned layout include the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, which lies at the confluence of the Yamuna and Hindon rivers, and several parks developed by the Noida Authority.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census of India, Noida had a population of 637,272, with a high population density reflective of its urban character. The city has a diverse population, with a significant number of migrants from other parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Punjab, drawn by employment opportunities. Hindi is the most widely spoken language, while English, Punjabi, and Bengali are also commonly used. The literacy rate is notably higher than the national average, supported by numerous educational institutions. Major religious communities include Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians.

Economy

Noida is a critical economic engine for the NCR and is renowned as a center for the information technology and business process outsourcing sectors. It hosts offices of major corporations like Microsoft, IBM, and HCL Technologies. The city is also a hub for electronics manufacturing, with facilities for companies such as Samsung and LG. The Noida Special Economic Zone is one of the largest in India, promoting exports and foreign investment. Other significant industries include real estate development, automotive component manufacturing, and media, with the Noida Film City being a notable production center for Bollywood and television.

Infrastructure

The city boasts a well-planned infrastructure centered on a grid of wide roads and sectors. It is connected to Delhi by the DND Flyway and the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway, and to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway. Public transportation is anchored by the extensive Delhi Metro network, specifically the Blue Line and Aqua Line. The Noida Authority oversees utilities, including water supply from the Ganga canal system and power distribution. Healthcare infrastructure is robust, with major hospitals like Fortis Hospital and the Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida. The city is also home to educational institutions such as Amity University and the Noida International University.

Culture

Noida's culture is a cosmopolitan blend influenced by its migrant population and proximity to Delhi. The city hosts various cultural events and festivals, including the Noida International Film Festival and the Okhla Bird Sanctuary festival. Key recreational venues include the DLF Mall of India, one of the largest shopping malls in the country, and the Botanical Garden. The Noida Stadium and the Greater Noida Sports Complex host national and international sporting events, such as Formula One races previously held at the Buddh International Circuit. Culinary offerings are diverse, with restaurants serving North Indian cuisine, South Indian cuisine, and international fare, reflecting its status as a modern metropolis.

Category:Cities in Uttar Pradesh Category:Planned cities in India Category:National Capital Region (India)