PM Modi to Inaugurate Noida International Airport, Enhancing Delhi-NCR Aviation Network
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the National Capital Region's aviation infrastructure. The inauguration of Phase I of this greenfield project will introduce a second international gateway for Delhi-NCR, complementing the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Strategic Location and Development
Located in Gautam Buddha Nagar district along the Yamuna Expressway, the airport has been strategically developed to alleviate congestion at Delhi's primary airport. As a public-private partnership, Phase I involved an investment of approximately Rs 11,200 crore, positioning it among India's largest greenfield airport developments.
Capacity and Infrastructure Details
The initial phase is designed to handle 12 million passengers per annum, with plans to scale up to 70 million passengers annually in subsequent phases. Key infrastructure features include:
- A 3,900-metre runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft.
- Advanced systems such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and airfield lighting for all-weather, 24/7 operations.
- An integrated cargo terminal with logistics zones, capable of managing over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of cargo annually initially, expandable to around 18 lakh metric tonnes.
- A 40-acre maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility to support aviation services.
Role in Regional Aviation
Once operational, the Noida airport will work in tandem with Delhi's IGI Airport to distribute passenger and cargo traffic, effectively addressing capacity constraints in the region. This development is expected to boost economic growth and connectivity in Uttar Pradesh and the broader NCR area.
Inauguration Schedule and Future Plans
According to the official programme, PM Modi will visit the airport on March 28, conduct a walkthrough of the terminal building, and inaugurate Phase I at around 12 noon, followed by a public address. The airport is poised to commence operations with its initial capacity, with further expansions planned in phases to meet growing demand.
