Noida, Delhi NCR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the first phase of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, hailing it as a symbol of India's youthful ambition and a milestone in the country's aviation infrastructure.
The Eleven thousand crore-plus project, spanning 3,300 acres, features a terminal and runway capable of handling 30 million passengers annually. Commercial flights are expected to begin as early as May, with the airport poised to become Asia's largest upon full completion.
Speaking at the event on Saturday afternoon, Shri Narendra Modi adopted an interactive style, urging the crowd to switch on their mobile phone flashlights and chant "Bharat Mata ki Jai" to mark the occasion as a collective public achievement rather than a solitary inauguration.
"This is not just my inauguration; it is the people's inauguration," he said, describing the facility as a testament to the nation's future strength.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the project as evidence of the "double-engine" government's rapid progress, taking a swipe at previous administrations for leaving the state behind in development.
Laid foundation stone in 2021, the airport's swift completion underscores Uttar Pradesh's transformation into an investment and infrastructure hub, he added.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu called it India's "second heartbeat", set to alleviate pressure on Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and position the state as a major aviation centre.
He highlighted its potential to boost connectivity, trade, tourism and jobs, linking Uttar Pradesh to domestic and international destinations.
A presentation at the event showcased the airport's modern amenities, promising a seamless travel experience.
The development is part of India's broader push to expand its aviation sector amid booming air travel demand.
