The Noida International Airport has been eagerly awaited, given its potential to boost the economy of western Uttar Pradesh and the NCR region while enhancing air connectivity. Although its inauguration has been widely anticipated, the wait has grown longer due to delays caused by incomplete construction and the absence of security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
Senior correspondent Arvind Mishra from jagran.com spoke to Rakesh Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Noida International Airport Ltd. and Yamuna Authority, to address questions around the launch. Here are the highlights :
When Will The Noida International Airport Be Inaugurated?
According to Rakesh Kumar Singh, the construction of Noida Airport is complete. As soon as the date is confirmed by the Prime Minister's Office, it will be inaugurated. All modern equipment, including passenger safety, handling, departure and arrival, and luggage belts, have been installed. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security recently inspected the airport for four days, verifying security standards. Previously pointed out deficiencies have been addressed.
Why Is There A Delay In Opening?
Aerodrome licenses are issued for airport operations. The DGCA issues these licenses after a BCAS report. Airport security requires specific measures, including security alarms, cameras, watchtowers, and other measures to detect any attempts to breach the airport's security perimeter. Without these security measures, airline operations cannot be conducted at the airport.
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These works have been completed, and they can be done even after the airport becomes operational. They will be completed when flight services resume. As soon as the DGCA issues the Aerodrome license, the state government will request the Prime Minister's Office to set a date for the inauguration. Rest assured, the airport won't have to wait much longer.
All About The Noida International Airport Connectivity
Singh stated that there are hardly any airports in the country with connectivity like Noida Airport. Airports are typically connected by one or two routes. Noida Airport will be connected to the Yamuna Expressway, Ganga Expressway, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and the Yamuna Authority's 60 and 130-meter-wide roads, he said.
It will also have connectivity to NHAI's proposed Khurja-Palwal route. In addition to the NCR, western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, northern Rajasthan, and border districts of Madhya Pradesh will be directly connected to the airport.
Additionally, connectivity with the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is also proposed. In-principle approval has been received for this. Work on the DPR is underway. The Chief Minister has given clear instructions regarding strong connectivity to Noida Airport. Action has been taken accordingly.
Benefits For People Living Around Noida Airport
Any major project comes along, it impacts the socioeconomic lives of the people in the area. This will have a direct impact on Noida, Greater Noida, and the newly developing Yamuna Authority area. The region's social and economic infrastructure will be strengthened.
Employment opportunities will be created directly and indirectly. The people of the region will be the biggest beneficiaries. With increased industrial and residential demand, an entire ecosystem will develop, providing access to education, employment, housing, and transportation. In addition to employment, business opportunities will also increase. The service sector will flourish, creating a significant number of jobs.
Security Plans Around The Noida International Airport
Noida Airport is a greenfield airport. The urban area hasn't yet developed there, but we are constantly working to ensure security. The authority has provided six vehicles to the police for patrolling the area.
Temporary outposts are being set up. Looking at data from the past six months, not a single criminal incident has been reported on the Yamuna Expressway. This is possible only because of the strong law and order situation. A police station is being built at the airport. One thousand square meters of land has been made available to the police for this purpose. Lighting arrangements are also being improved.
