Noida International Airport Ready for PM Modi Inauguration This Month
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that the Noida International Airport (NIA) is fully prepared for its official inauguration, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to perform the ceremony later this month. The CM revealed this significant development during a recent statement, emphasizing the airport's readiness and the ongoing finalization of its Aerodrome Licence.
Airport Development and Capacity Details
The Noida International Airport represents a major greenfield project developed in the Jewar area of Gautam Buddha Nagar district under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Originally scheduled to commence operations in September 2024, the first phase of this expansive project covers approximately 1,300 hectares.
Commissioned in 2021 to alleviate passenger congestion at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, which handled nearly 8 crore passengers in 2024, the Jewar airport is projected to accommodate 1.2 crore passengers annually during its initial phase. Officials have indicated that passenger capacity will substantially increase in subsequent phases, reaching 3 crore in phase two and 5 crore in phase three.
Under the Rs 6,500-crore first phase of airport operations, Jewar will feature one runway and one terminal. However, comprehensive plans envision the eventual development of six runways and four terminals, positioning it as a major aviation hub in the region.
UP's Benefits from Union Budget Initiatives
Chief Minister Adityanath elaborated on how Uttar Pradesh stands to gain significantly from various initiatives outlined in the recent Union Budget. He emphasized that these measures align with Prime Minister Modi's vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and 'Viksit Uttar Pradesh' by 2047.
Key budget benefits for Uttar Pradesh include:
- MSME Support: With Uttar Pradesh hosting the maximum number of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country, the state will benefit 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 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 Uttar Pradesh and Sarnath near Varanasi have been identified among 15 archaeological sites nationwide for development, boosting the state's emerging status as a tourism hub.
- Ayurveda Institutes: The budget announcement for five All India Institute of Ayurveda Sciences includes potential establishment in Varanasi, the birthplace of Bhagwan Dhanvantri.
Political Commentary on Budget Criticism
Addressing criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party, regarding the Union Budget, CM Adityanath dismissed their 'PDA (Pichara, Dalit, Alpasankyak)' claims as mere excuses. He asserted that their actual focus remains on serving 'pariwar' (family) interests rather than broader public welfare.
In contrast, the CM praised Prime Minister Modi for presenting an inclusive vision that treats the entire nation's population as one family. He questioned why previous administrations didn't implement similar actions when PDA concerns existed, suggesting that current opposition rhetoric lacks substance and forward-looking planning.
Adityanath concluded by emphasizing that Uttar Pradesh's comprehensive development through infrastructure projects like the Noida International Airport and strategic budget allocations will significantly contribute to both state and national progress.
