Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Noida International Airport at Jewar on Saturday, marking the commencement of operations at the greenfield aviation project after a wait of 24 years since its initial proposal. The airport, built at a cost of Rs 11,200 crore, is described as Asia’s largest greenfield airport and is designed to handle one aircraft movement every two minutes.
The proposal for a greenfield international aviation hub at Jewar was first presented in 2001 by then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Rajnath Singh. With the inauguration of the Noida International Airport, transport and commercial activity is expected to increase in Noida and across western Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing a public gathering at the inauguration ceremony, the Prime Minister said the country must remain united during the current global crisis. He appealed to political parties and the public to refrain from statements that are against national interest during such periods. Modi said, “What is in India’s interest is our policy. Even during difficult situations like the coronavirus pandemic, the country rejected false rumours. We must remain together in every challenge.” He concluded his address with the slogan “Vande Mataram”.
The Prime Minister stated that the airport would significantly reduce travel time in the region. He said Rs 17 lakh crore has been spent on highways and expressways in recent years. He noted that India previously lacked sufficient aircraft servicing facilities, with 85 per cent of aircraft being sent abroad for maintenance. He said the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Jewar would generate employment and contribute to self-reliance.
Referring to the UDAN scheme, he said 1.6 crore people have travelled by air under the programme and approvals worth Rs 29,000 crore have been granted. He added that food processing units and ethanol production have strengthened agriculture and industry in western Uttar Pradesh, resulting in savings of 4.5 crore barrels of crude oil.
The Prime Minister said two freight corridors are being developed in Dadri to facilitate the movement of goods for farmers and traders to global markets. He also compared earlier political leadership with the present, stating that Noida was previously neglected but has now become a symbol of development in Uttar Pradesh.
The Prime Minister described the airport as a modern greenfield model in terms of safety, employment, and environmental considerations. He said the facility has the capacity for aircraft operations every two minutes. He added that Uttar Pradesh is now among the states with the highest number of international airports in the country.
