Noida International Airport Ready for PM Modi Inauguration This Month
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Monday that the Noida International Airport (NIA) is fully prepared for inauguration and is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this month. The greenfield airport project, developed in the Jewar area of Gautam Buddha Nagar district under a public-private partnership model, marks a significant milestone in the state's infrastructure development.
Airport Development and Capacity Details
The first phase of the Noida International Airport, spread over approximately 1,300 hectares, was initially scheduled to begin operations in September 2024. Commissioned in 2021 to alleviate passenger load on Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, which handled nearly 8 crore passengers in 2024, the Jewar airport is projected to handle 1.2 crore passengers annually during its initial phase.
Officials revealed that the airport's passenger capacity is expected to increase significantly in subsequent phases:
- Phase Two: Capacity rising to 3 crore passengers annually
- Phase Three: Capacity expanding to 5 crore passengers annually
Under the Rs 6,500-crore phase one operations, the airport will feature one runway and one terminal. However, comprehensive plans include developing six runways and four terminals in total, positioning it as a major aviation hub in northern India.
CM Adityanath's Budget Analysis and Political Commentary
While announcing the airport's readiness, Chief Minister Adityanath also addressed the Union Budget's implications for Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized that the state budget, to be presented this month, aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Viksit Uttar Pradesh' by 2047.
The CM strongly criticized the Opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party, for their budget critiques. He dismissed their 'PDA (Pichara, Dalit, Alpasankyak)' claims as mere excuses, asserting that their actual focus remains on 'pariwar (family)' interests. In contrast, he praised PM Modi for presenting a vision that treats the entire nation as one family.
Key Budget Benefits for Uttar Pradesh
Adityanath highlighted several Union Budget initiatives that would significantly benefit Uttar Pradesh:
- MSME Support: With Uttar Pradesh hosting the maximum number of MSMEs in India, the state stands to benefit substantially from the Rs 10,000 crore allocation dedicated to this sector.
- Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing: The state accounts for 55% of India's mobile manufacturing and 60% of electronic component production, positioning it perfectly to capitalize on budget assistance for these sectors.
- Sports Manufacturing: Given Uttar Pradesh's important leather clusters in Agra and Kanpur, the state will benefit from announcements related to sports manufacturing.
- High-Speed Rail Corridors: Among seven proposed high-speed rail corridors, two will originate from Varanasi – one connecting to Delhi and another to Siliguri in West Bengal.
- Tourism Development: Hastinapur in Western UP and Sarnath near Varanasi have been identified among 15 archaeological sites for development across India, boosting the state's emerging status as a 'new tourism hub'.
- Ayurveda Institutes: The budget announcement of five All India Institute of Ayurveda Sciences includes potential establishment in Varanasi, the birthplace of Bhagwan Dhanvantri.
Infrastructure and Economic Implications
The Noida International Airport represents a transformative infrastructure project that will not only decongest Delhi's airport but also stimulate economic growth in the National Capital Region and Western Uttar Pradesh. The airport's strategic location and phased expansion plans position it as a crucial aviation gateway for northern India.
Simultaneously, the Union Budget initiatives highlighted by CM Adityanath demonstrate comprehensive development planning for Uttar Pradesh, spanning transportation infrastructure, manufacturing sectors, tourism promotion, and traditional medicine. These combined developments signal Uttar Pradesh's growing importance in India's economic landscape and its alignment with national development goals.
The convergence of airport infrastructure readiness with substantial budget allocations creates a powerful synergy for Uttar Pradesh's development trajectory, potentially accelerating economic growth, employment generation, and regional connectivity improvements across multiple sectors.
