Noida International Airport Takes Flight with ₹1,150 Crore Budget Allocation

On February 5, 2024, State Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna unveiled the allocations within the Uttar Pradesh government's 2024-25 annual budget, earmarking Rs 1,150 crore for the construction and land acquisition of the forthcoming Noida International Airport (NIA) situated in Jewar, Gautam Budh Nagar.

An additional Rs 914 crore has been designated for the ongoing Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project. Progress on the initial phase of the Noida airport in Jewar is currently underway, with operational commencement projected by December 2024. Upon completion, the airport anticipates servicing approximately 71 million passengers annually by 2042-43. These endeavors are aimed at bolstering both intra-city connectivity and air travel within the region.

To facilitate convenient access to the airport's catchment area, the state government has solicited the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to devise a high-speed rail connection to the airport. Moreover, plans are in motion to integrate the RRTS in Ghaziabad with the forthcoming Noida airport. A feasibility study has proposed 11 RRTS stations along the 72.2 km route, along with a 15-station local metro component.

The RRTS project, currently under construction, aims to link the cities of Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut via an 82 km network, at an estimated cost of Rs 30,274 crore. Approximately 21 of the 25 RRTS stations fall within Uttar Pradesh, with eight located in Ghaziabad and 13 in Meerut. Financing for the project involves the Centre contributing 20 percent of the cost, the UP government 17 percent, the Delhi government 3.25 percent, with the remaining funding sourced from multilateral loans.

Minister Khanna further highlighted the recent inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, marking the operationalization of four international airports within the state. Additionally, the impending opening of the Noida International Airport, touted as South Asia’s largest, is poised to further elevate Uttar Pradesh's stature, potentially making it the sole state in India boasting five international airports.

News by Rahul Yelligetti