Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, describing the ambitious project as a transformative step toward regional development, enhanced connectivity, and economic empowerment in Uttar Pradesh. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, and other dignitaries amid tight security arrangements.
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister termed the airport a “symbol of India’s new spirit” and emphasized its potential to generate opportunities for farmers, small traders, and youth across western Uttar Pradesh. “The planes will fly, and it will become a symbol of the identity of a developed Uttar Pradesh,” he said, congratulating the people of the region on what he described as a landmark moment.
Highlighting the broader vision, Modi said the inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter in the “Viksit Uttar Pradesh, Viksit Bharat” campaign. He noted that Uttar Pradesh, once lagging in infrastructure, is now among the states with the highest number of international airports in the country.
The Prime Minister underlined that the airport will significantly benefit nearby cities including Agra, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Etawah, enhancing trade, tourism, and employment opportunities across the region.
Developed at an estimated cost of ₹11,200 crore under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the first phase of the Noida International Airport is designed as a state-of-the-art, multi-modal transport hub. It integrates road, rail, metro, and regional transport systems to ensure seamless connectivity.
The airport features a multi-modal cargo hub with an initial handling capacity of over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, expandable to around 18 lakh metric tonnes in future phases. On the passenger front, the airport will initially handle 12 million passengers per annum, with plans to scale up to 70 million passengers annually.
Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister also inspected the terminal, reviewing the infrastructure and facilities developed as part of the first phase.
In his address, Modi also touched upon the ongoing global uncertainties, particularly the conflict in West Asia. He reassured citizens that India is actively managing the situation. “At a time when the world is worried due to shortages of essentials like food, fuel, and fertilisers, India is tackling the crisis with full strength,” he said.
He further emphasized that the government is taking necessary steps to ensure that the burden of global disruptions does not fall on common citizens and farmers.
The inauguration of the Noida International Airport marks a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s development journey. By boosting connectivity, facilitating trade, and creating employment opportunities, the project is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the region’s economic future while reinforcing India’s growing infrastructure capabilities on the global stage.
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