Noida Airport Clears Critical Inspection Ahead of Launch
The Noida International Airport project achieved a significant milestone on Friday as the central government's Project Monitoring Group (PMG) conducted a crucial inspection, bringing the airport one step closer to becoming operational. This high-stakes review occurred just days before the project's scheduled completion deadline at the end of this month.
Comprehensive Review of Airport Infrastructure
Accompanied by senior officials from the civil aviation department, the PMG team conducted an exhaustive assessment of the airport's readiness. Their evaluation focused on technical standards compliance and adherence to project timelines, covering all essential components of the greenfield airport development.
The inspection team meticulously examined the terminal building, runway, apron, and airside systems. They also scrutinized electrical, mechanical, and safety installations to ensure Tata Projects, the main contractor, had successfully met all milestones outlined in the project schedule.
Stakeholders and High-Level Involvement
Friday's critical inspection saw participation from key stakeholders including civil aviation department joint secretary Ishan Pratap Singh, Noida International Airport Ltd CEO RK Singh, representatives from airport concessionaire YIAPL, and officials from Tata Projects. The team conducted thorough walkthroughs of completed structures and examined finishing work to ensure no detail was overlooked.
Shailendra Bhatia, nodal officer for the project, emphasized the importance of the review, stating: "Today's assessment was crucial for evaluating both quality and timeline. Once PMG grants its clearance, the airport will transition into the operational phase."
Path to Final Approvals
The PMG inspection represents the final major hurdle before the airport can begin operations. Construction of the Noida airport began in 2022 with a target completion date by the end of this month. The timing of PMG's visit, just days before this deadline, underscores its critical importance in clearing the path for final approvals.
Just one day before the PMG inspection, the project received high-level attention from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, who conducted their own review of the airport's final-stage preparedness. Officials assured that outstanding compliance points identified by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security would be addressed by December 2, paving the way for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to issue the aerodrome license, likely by December 4.
PMG's Role in Infrastructure Development
The Project Monitoring Group, originally established under the cabinet secretariat and now operating under the department for promotion of industry and internal trade, plays a vital role in resolving bottlenecks that often delay large-scale infrastructure projects. By bringing together central ministries, state governments, and developers, the group addresses issues ranging from land acquisition to regulatory clearances.
PMG also monitors projects in real time through an online portal, ensuring timely interventions and strict adherence to quality standards. For the Noida airport project, PMG has been closely tracking progress to maintain construction schedules and ensure timely completion.
