The government has cleared a proposal for setting up a greenfield airport in Jewar in Greater Noida, which is likely to be operational in the next five to six years, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said today.
Talking to reporters at a press briefing here today, Raju said that "in-principle clearance has been granted" for the airport.
The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority has notified 3,000 hectares of land for a world-class international airport, he added.
The airport will help reduce congestion at the Delhi international airport.
"In Delhi, we are expecting 91 million passengers by 2020 and 109 million passengers by 2024," Raju told reporters.
In a series of tweets, Raju said, "We have granted in-principle approval for a greenfield airport at Jewar (Greater Noida) to cater to the growing flying requirements of NCR. NOIDA International Airport will cater to 30-50 million passengers per year over the next 10-15 years. The area notified for Noida Airport is 3000 ha; 1st phase will be developed for 1000 ha. We expect Rs 15-20 thousand crores of investment."
"I congratulate & applaud the new UP govt under Yogi Adityanath ji for their strong push & commitment which resulted in its early clearance. Under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji, we will continue to add significant airport capacity all over the country," the minister said.