In a noteworthy development, the state government of Uttar Pradesh has given the nod to allocate an extra INR 880 crore in compensation to landowners impacted by the second phase of the Noida International Airport project. This brings the total compensation package for landowners to a substantial INR 4,780 crore. Notably, roughly 70% of the land acquisition spanning 1,181 hectares across six villages in Jewar—Ranhera, Kureb, Karauli Bangar, Dayanatpur, Beerampur, and Mudharah—has already been finalized. Additionally, a substantial sum of INR 2,800 crore has already been disbursed to farmers as compensation to date.
The remaining 184 hectares of land required for the second phase of the airport project are under government ownership. This specific tract of land will be transferred to the civil aviation department of the Uttar Pradesh government, where it will be employed for the development of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhauling (MRO) hub. The Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL), a collaborative venture between the Uttar Pradesh government and various development agencies, envisions attracting international investments for the MRO center, with the aim of establishing the region as a pivotal aviation hub in India. Officials have indicated that NIAL is on the brink of announcing a global tender for the MRO center in the near future.
The second phase of the Noida International Airport expansion also encompasses the construction of an additional runway. The first phase of the airport, which is of similar scale with one runway, an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, and a terminal building, is slated for commissioning in October 2024. The ongoing construction at the site employs over 7,000 workers, and the infrastructure must be prepared well in advance for testing and trials. Upon completion, NIA is poised to become the largest airport in the country.
Looking ahead, Noida International Airport’s vision extends to the year 2070, encompassing a total of five phases. By the culmination of these phases, the airport is expected to feature six runways and four terminal buildings, with an annual capacity to accommodate a staggering 225 million passengers. This vision also includes the establishment of an MRO center and an aviation hub. The Uttar Pradesh government’s recent release of INR 329 crore, contributing to its 37.5% stake in NIAL, underscores its commitment to this ambitious project.
Furthermore, the Noida Authority, Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) are all set to release their respective contributions to the district magistrate’s office. In light of the additional compensation approved, district officials have revealed that the initial estimate of INR 3,900 crore, made in March 2021 to acquire the 1,181 hectares of land, did not include considerations for landowners’ assets, such as tube wells, and an accrual of 690 days of interest (at a rate of INR 3,100 per square meter). Consequently, the distribution of compensation for farmers’ assets is now set to commence, as confirmed by additional district magistrate (land acquisition) Balram Singh.
With these momentous developments in the Noida International Airport Phase 2 project, Uttar Pradesh is firmly on its way to transforming its aviation landscape, poised to make a mark on the national and international stage.