New Delhi, Mar 28 (TNT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh, developed at a cost of around ₹11,200 crore, describing it as a major step towards building a “Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat”.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the airport would serve as a key gateway for North India and benefit a wide region including Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Etawah and Faridabad.
“Aircraft will fly from here to the world, and this airport will become a symbol of a developed Uttar Pradesh taking flight,” Modi said, congratulating the people of the state, particularly western UP.
He emphasised that the project would create new opportunities for farmers, small and medium enterprises, and youth, while boosting agricultural exports and food processing in the region.
Highlighting infrastructure development in western UP, Modi said the airport is part of a broader push that includes the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, metro expansion and a semiconductor project in Noida, positioning the region as a major economic hub.
The Prime Minister also noted that the area is emerging as a logistics centre, aided by freight corridors converging at Dadri, enabling faster movement of goods to domestic and global markets.
Referring to global challenges, Modi said ongoing tensions in West Asia have impacted supplies of fuel and fertilisers, but assured that the government is taking steps to shield citizens and farmers from the crisis.
On aviation growth, he said India now has over 160 airports, with Uttar Pradesh having 17, and highlighted the expansion of the UDAN Scheme to improve affordable air travel and connectivity to smaller cities.
Modi also announced the foundation of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Jewar, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign services and generating employment.
Stressing infrastructure as a driver of growth, the Prime Minister said investments in highways, railways, ports and airports over the past decade are accelerating India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation.
TNT KS
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