Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Phase 1 of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, using the occasion to pitch development, target past governments and flag the impact of global crises on India.
Sharing the stage with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Prime Minister said the airport would transform connectivity and economic prospects across western Uttar Pradesh.
“Because of this, Noida International Airport, Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Etawah, Bulandshahr, Faridabad and this entire region are going to benefit greatly,” PM Modi said.
“This airport is going to bring many new opportunities for the farmers, small and medium sized businesses and the youth of West UP. From here, aircraft will fly around the world, and it will become the symbol of the flight of developed Uttar Pradesh.”
He congratulated the people of the state, especially those in western Uttar Pradesh, calling the project a “magnificent airport”.
The Prime Minister linked the launch to a broader development vision.
“Today, we are starting a new chapter of the ‘Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat’ campaign. The biggest state in the country has now become the state with the most international airports,” he said.
He also spoke of a personal connection with the project. “You all gave me the good fortune to lay the foundation stone and also to inaugurate this airport,” he said.
PM Modi criticised earlier governments, accusing them of delaying the project for years.
“Noida Airport was cleared during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s time in 2003. But Congress and the regional governments here did not even allow the foundation stone to be laid. The project remained only on paper,” he said.
He added that work gained pace only after the BJP came to power at both the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh. “The moment BJP came to power, the foundation stone was laid, construction was completed, and today it is being inaugurated,” he said.
Referring to the ongoing global situation, PM Modi spoke about the impact of the West Asia conflict.
“We are ensuring our farmers do not get burdened due to this crisis. India has continued its development journey even during this period,” he said.
He added that the government had taken steps to ensure that common citizens do not face the brunt of rising global uncertainties, including those linked to fuel prices.
Ahead of the inauguration, a sacred artefact of Lord Buddha was presented to the Prime Minister.
The launch of Phase 1 of the Noida International Airport is expected to significantly enhance connectivity in Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region, while boosting trade, tourism and employment opportunities.
