Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Phase 1 of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, describing it as a major boost to connectivity, employment, and economic growth.
The event, held under tight security, was attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, and other dignitaries.
Developed at an estimated cost of Rs 11,200 crore, the airport is designed as a multi-modal transport hub, with planned connectivity through road, rail, metro, and regional transport systems.
Modern Infrastructure with Huge Capacity
The airport’s first phase includes a cargo hub capable of handling over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, with potential expansion to around 18 lakh metric tonnes. Passenger traffic is expected to reach 12 million per year initially, with scalability up to 70 million passengers in the future. Following the inauguration, PM Modi also inspected the terminal, highlighting the modern facilities and infrastructure.
PM Modi said the airport would significantly improve opportunities in the region and said, “Because of this, Noida International Airport, Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Etawah, Bulandshahr, Faridabad and this entire region are going to benefit greatly.”
He added, “This airport is going to bring many new opportunities for the farmers, small and medium sized businesses and the youth of West UP. From here, aircraft will fly around the world, and it will become the symbol of the flight of developed Uttar Pradesh.”
‘Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat’ Vision
Linking the project to a broader development agenda, the Prime Minister said, “Today, we are starting a new chapter of the ‘Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat’ campaign. The biggest state in the country has now become the state with the most international airports.”
Reflecting on his personal association with the project, he noted, “You all gave me the good fortune to lay the foundation stone and also to inaugurate this airport.”
PM Modi criticised past administrations for delaying the airport project. “Noida Airport was cleared during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s time in 2003. But Congress and the regional governments here did not even allow the foundation stone to be laid. The project remained only on paper,” he said.
He added that the project advanced only after the BJP came to power both at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh.
Global and Domestic Challenges
Touching upon global issues, PM Modi referenced the West Asia conflict and its impact on India and said, “We are ensuring our farmers do not get burdened due to this crisis. India has continued its development journey even during this period,.”
He further highlighted steps taken to shield citizens from rising global uncertainties, including fuel prices. Ahead of the inauguration, PM Modi was presented with a sacred artefact of Lord Buddha, adding a ceremonial touch to the event.
The launch of Phase 1 of the Noida International Airport is expected to enhance connectivity across Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region, while boosting trade, tourism, and employment opportunities in the region.
