Narendra Modi inaugurates Phase of Noida International Airport, boosting India’s aviation future

Narendra Modi inaugurates Phase I of Noida International Airport, boosting India’s aviation future
 By Prem Kumar Sat, 28 Mar 2026
Narendra Modi

28 March 2026 |  The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, developed with an investment of around ₹11,200 crore. Calling it a landmark moment, he said the project marks a significant step forward in the vision of Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat.

Expressing pride, the Prime Minister noted that Uttar Pradesh has now emerged as one of the states with the highest number of international airports in India. He recalled that he had earlier laid the foundation stone of the airport and now had the privilege of inaugurating it.


Transformational impact on the region

The Prime Minister highlighted that the airport will benefit a wide region, including Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Etawah, Bulandshahr and Faridabad.

He emphasized that the airport will create new opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, and youth, while connecting the region directly to global markets. “Aircraft will fly from here to the world, symbolizing a developed Uttar Pradesh taking flight,” he said.

🌍 Development amid global challenges

Referring to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Prime Minister said the global situation has affected supplies of essential commodities such as fuel, gas, and fertilizers. Despite India’s dependence on imports, he assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to protect citizens and farmers from the impact.

🚄 Rapid infrastructure growth in Western UP

Highlighting recent developments, the Prime Minister noted that several major projects have been launched in Western Uttar Pradesh, including:

  • A semiconductor manufacturing facility in Noida
  • Expansion of Meerut Metro
  • Operationalization of the Namo Bharat Train
  • Inauguration of Noida International Airport

He stated that these initiatives are transforming the region into a powerful growth engine.

🔗 Emerging logistics and investment hub

The Prime Minister underlined that the region is becoming a logistics hub due to the convergence of major freight corridors at Dadri. This multimodal connectivity—via road, rail, and air—will enable faster movement of agricultural and industrial goods globally, making Uttar Pradesh increasingly attractive to investors.

🌾 Boost for farmers and ethanol economy

Expressing gratitude to farmers who contributed land for the project, the Prime Minister said improved connectivity will strengthen food processing and agricultural exports.

He also highlighted the role of sugarcane farmers in ethanol production, noting that ethanol blending has reduced crude oil imports significantly and saved approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore in foreign exchange.

✈️ Expanding India’s aviation sector

The Prime Minister reiterated that airports are not just infrastructure but catalysts for development. He noted that India now has over 160 airports, with Uttar Pradesh alone having 17.

Under the UDAN Scheme, more than 1.6 crore people have benefited from affordable air travel. The scheme has been expanded with an investment of around ₹29,000 crore to develop 100 new airports and 200 helipads.

🛠️ Focus on MRO and job creation

Addressing gaps in the aviation ecosystem, the Prime Minister announced the foundation of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Jewar. This will reduce dependence on foreign services, retain revenue within India, and create employment opportunities for youth.

🚧 Vision of Viksit Bharat

Highlighting unprecedented infrastructure investment, the Prime Minister said that in the last decade:

  • Over ₹17 lakh crore has been invested in highways
  • More than 1 lakh km of roads have been constructed
  • Railway electrification has nearly reached 100%
  • Port capacity has doubled


 

Tags

From around the web