Noida Airport Takes Flight: 3,418 Hectares Secured for Expansion!

Shailendra Bhatia, the Nodal Officer for the Uttar Pradesh government at Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), announced on Friday significant progress in the acquisition of an additional 3,418 hectares of land for the proposed Noida International Airport. NIAL, currently under the management of Zurich Airport, is actively advancing the development of the airport on the initial 1,334 hectares leased by the UP government in 2021. This land is earmarked for a four-phase development plan, featuring two runways.

The initial acquisition of 1,334 hectares incurred a cost of Rs 4,326 crore. The first construction phase is expected to conclude by the end of the current year, with the commencement of the first commercial flight anticipated in 2024.

Shailendra Bhatia detailed, "The additional 1,365 hectares of land are being acquired on the northern side, while on the southern side, we are securing 2,053 hectares." This supplementary land will play a crucial role in establishing three more runways and hubs for aviation-related services.

The land acquisition process in the northern area is nearing completion, with Bhatia stating, "Compensation has been distributed to 90 per cent of farmers, and possession of this land is expected next month. Regarding the southern land (2,053 hectares), we have completed the social impact assessment (SIA), and the ongoing process is anticipated to conclude within the next six months."

The Uttar Pradesh government's acquisition of this additional land is strategically aimed at facilitating future airport expansion plans. Bhatia emphasized, "An additional runway will be constructed on the northern land, and two more runways on the southern land. Consequently, the airport will boast a total of five runways."

To streamline the process, a separate Request for Proposal (RFP) will be formulated for the northern and southern land acquisition. Bhatia added, "Currently, we are finalizing the royalty and financial model for the new RFP. The acquisition of more land is imperative for building a robust aviation ecosystem. This preemptive move is crucial, as acquiring land post the airport's operation becomes challenging."

This strategic land acquisition initiative underscores the commitment to ensuring the long-term success and growth of the Noida International Airport.

News by Rahul Yelligetti