Why Is India Building Its LARGEST Airport?
Summary
TLDRIndia is constructing one of Asia's largest airports, Noida International Airport, near Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, to accommodate the soaring demand for air travel. Expected to handle 12 million passengers initially, it aims to expand to serve up to 120 million within 30 years. The project, led by Noida International Airport Limited and Zurich Airport AG, is part of India's push for global recognition and improved connectivity, showcasing the country's progress and addressing the needs of its emerging middle class.
Takeaways
- 🌍 India is constructing one of Asia's largest airports to accommodate the massive demand for air travel by its nearly 1.4 billion people.
- 🛫 The new airport, expected to be completed in 2024, is designed to handle 12 million passengers per year initially, with plans to expand to serve up to 120 million passengers annually over a 30-year period.
- ✈️ India's aviation industry is experiencing significant growth, with leading airlines ordering nearly 1,000 jets, reflecting an investment of tens of billions of dollars.
- 🚄 Despite a strong reliance on trains, with 20 rail journeys for every 20 flights, India is pushing for greater global recognition through massive aviation expansion.
- 🏙 The Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, is strategically planned to serve the National Capital Region (NCR) and alleviate traffic at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
- 🤝 The project is a public-private partnership, with Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) leading on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, and Flughafen Zürich AG operating it for 40 years.
- 🚧 The airport's construction includes a 31-kilometer greenfield highway to connect it to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, showcasing significant infrastructure development.
- 📈 The airport's initial phase will feature two runways, with future plans to expand to an eight-runway facility covering 7,200 acres.
- 📉 The project has faced challenges, including objections over its proximity to existing airports and ecological concerns, requiring careful planning and collaboration.
- 🌿 Environmental considerations are integral to the project, with conditions set for protecting local wetlands and efforts to minimize disruption to the ecosystem.
Q & A
Why is India building one of Asia's largest airports?
-India is building one of Asia's largest airports to meet the growing demand for air travel by its nearly 1.4 billion people and to support its rising economy and middle class.
What is the expected completion year for the new airport in India?
-The new airport, Noida International Airport, is expected to be completed in 2024, with further expansions planned in the coming years.
How many passengers is the initial phase of Noida International Airport expected to handle?
-The initial phase of Noida International Airport is expected to handle 1.2 crore (12 million) passengers per year.
What is the long-term expansion plan for passenger capacity at Noida International Airport?
-After expansion over a 30-year period, Noida International Airport aims to handle up to 6-12 crore (60-120 million) passengers per year.
Which company secured the bid to build and operate Noida International Airport?
-Flughafen Zürich AG, the operator of Zurich Airport, secured the bid to build and operate Noida International Airport for the next 40 years.
What is the significance of the 31-kilometer greenfield highway being constructed by NHAI?
-The 31-kilometer greenfield highway is being constructed to connect Noida International Airport to Sector-65, Faridabad, on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, enhancing accessibility.
What is the current status of the Noida International Airport project?
-As of the script's information, approximately 80% of phase one of the Noida International Airport project is nearing completion, with trial runs scheduled for the end of June.
How is the Noida International Airport project being financed?
-Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) has disclosed that roughly INR 7,371.51 crore of the allocated INR 10,056 crore budget has been utilized for the airport's construction.
What are the connectivity plans for the Noida International Airport?
-The state government is planning a Metro line, road connectivity, and exploring avant-garde transportation solutions like a pod taxi system and a rapid rail corridor to integrate the airport with the National Capital Region.
What ecological concerns have been raised regarding the Noida International Airport project?
-Ecological concerns include the potential impact on the Dhanauri Wetlands, with conditions set by India’s environmental ministry for protection, and local environmental groups have called for action to prevent irreversible damage.
What is the current status of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure at Noida International Airport?
-By July, the airport is set to have two state-of-the-art radars, enhancing operational efficiency significantly, and is initially poised to handle up to 50 flights daily.
Outlines
🛫 India's Aviation Boom and the Rise of Noida International Airport
India, with a population nearing 1.4 billion, is experiencing a surge in air travel demand, prompting the construction of one of Asia's largest airports. The airport, expected to handle 12 million passengers initially and up to 120 million after expansion, is a response to the country's rapid economic growth and the aspirations of its emerging middle class. The video invites viewers to learn about the construction of this massive airport, which is part of India's push for global recognition and is being developed through a public-private partnership led by Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) with the expertise of Flughafen Zürich AG. The airport's development is also supported by significant road infrastructure projects, such as a 31-kilometer highway connecting it to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.
📈 The Journey from Vision to Reality: Noida International Airport's Development
The script details the long and complex journey of Noida International Airport's development, which began with a vision in 2001. The project faced numerous obstacles, including location disputes and regulatory hurdles, before gaining momentum in 2014 with the BJP's federal victory. The airport's construction was officially approved in 2018, and by 2020, land acquisition for the first phase was completed. Zurich Airport AG was contracted to operate the airport, and by 2021, the master plan was approved. The foundation stone was laid in 2021, and by 2023, the airport received its IATA code, 'DXN'. The project is now in its final stages, with trial runs scheduled for June, and the airport is on track to commence operations by September 2024.
🚇 Enhancing Connectivity and Addressing Ecological Concerns
The script discusses plans to improve connectivity to Noida International Airport through the development of a Metro line and exploration of innovative transportation solutions like pod taxi systems. It also highlights the ecological challenges faced during the airport's construction, particularly the impact on the Dhanauri Wetlands. The environmental ministry has imposed conditions to protect the wetlands, but local environmental groups have expressed concerns about the lack of action to safeguard this critical ecosystem. The video concludes by inviting viewers to share their thoughts on the airport's potential to elevate India's global travel standards and to stay tuned for more informative content.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Air travel ecosystem
💡Noida International Airport
💡Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
💡National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
💡Expansion
💡Middle class
💡Aviation boom
💡Greenfield project
💡Right of First Refusal (RoFR)
💡Ecological concerns
Highlights
India is constructing one of Asia's largest airports to meet the demand of nearly 1.4 billion people.
The new airport is expected to handle 12 million passengers per year initially and up to 120 million after expansion.
India's aviation sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom with orders for nearly 1,000 jets.
New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is on track to become the world's second busiest airport.
Air travel in India is a symbol of progress, with a focus on serving the emerging middle class.
Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, is designed to serve the National Capital Region.
The project is developed through a public-private partnership led by Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL).
Flughafen Zürich AG won the bid to build and operate the airport for 40 years, bringing international expertise.
The airport's initial phase will feature two runways, with plans to expand to an eight-runway facility.
The project has faced challenges, including objections from the operator of an existing airport and ecological concerns.
The airport is set to become the third commercial airport in the NCR, joining Indira Gandhi International and Hindon Airport.
The project received in-principle approval in 2018 and has seen significant progress since then.
Tata Projects Limited secured the civil construction contract, indicating strong progress in building infrastructure.
The airport received its official code 'DXN' from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2023.
Trial runs at the airport are scheduled to begin by the end of June, with 80% of phase one nearing completion.
The airport aims to handle up to 50 flights daily initially and is working on enhancing operational efficiency.
NOIDA International Airport Limited (NIAL) has utilized approximately INR 7,371.51 crore of the allocated budget.
The state government is exploring advanced transportation solutions like pod taxi systems and rapid rail corridors.
Ecological concerns have been raised regarding the Dhanauri Wetlands, with conditions set for protection during construction.
The ambitious project reflects India's aspirations for global travel standards and the need for sustainable development.
Transcripts
A country of nearly 1.4 billion people will undoubtedly require a vast air travel ecosystem
to meet the growing demand for Indians to travel to places. This is one of the main
reasons why India is building one of Asia's largest airports, which is expected to be
completed in 2024 and expanded further in the coming years. Before we dive further, give this
video a like and subscribe to the channel to keep watching such informational videos.
How is India building this massive airport, which is expected to handle 1.2 crore (12
million) passengers per year initially and up to 6-12 crore passengers per year after
being expanded over a 30-year period? Wacht the video till the end and let’s find out.
There’s no denying the fact that the aviation landscape in India is soaring
to new heights. No country is taking to the skies quite like India. This year,
its leading airlines have ordered nearly 1,000 jets, investing tens of billions of dollars in
an unprecedented aviation boom. Meanwhile, New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is set
for a major milestone, preparing to accommodate 109 million passengers this year. It's on track
to become the world’s second busiest airport, right behind Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson.
And this surge is taking place in a vast country that is still
heavily reliant on trains, with 20 rail journeys for every 20 flights.
The massive expansion in aviation, fueled by significant investment,
is a key element in India’s push for greater global recognition. As India rises through
the ranks of the world's largest economies, it is racing to meet the growing aspirations
of its emerging middle class. Its airports stand as highly visible symbols of progress.
Air travel remains financially out of reach for most Indians, with only about 3 percent of the
population flying regularly. However, in a nation of 1.4 billion people, that still translates to
42 million frequent flyers—executives, students, and engineers who need to travel quickly within
India and seek easier access to international destinations for both business and leisure.
Owing to all this demand, India has come up with a plan for the Noida International
Airport, also known as Jewar Airport. It is an exciting new development near Jewar in Gautam
Buddha Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh. This upcoming international airport is designed
to serve the National Capital Region (NCR) and is part of the new, planned YEIDA city.
Slated to relieve the heavy traffic at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi,
Noida International is set to become India’s, and even Asia’s, largest
airport. The project is being developed through a public-private partnership,
with Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) leading the charge on behalf of the
Uttar Pradesh government. In 2019, Flughafen Zürich AG, the operator of Zurich Airport,
secured the bid to build and operate the airport for the next 40 years.
That’s not just it. India is also focusing on building a strong road ecosystem to support the
airport. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is constructing a 31-kilometer
greenfield highway that will connect the airport to Sector-65, Faridabad,
on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway. The initial phase of the airport will feature two runways by 2024,
with plans to expand into a sprawling eight-runway facility covering 7,200 acres. Initially,
it will accommodate 12 million passengers annually, with the capacity to handle up to
120 million passengers per year over the next 30 years. This ambitious project will make it
the third commercial airport in the NCR, joining Indira Gandhi International and Hindon Airport.
The go-ahead to such a massive airport has not been an easy task. In fact the plan has been in
action for nearly two decades. In 2001, the vision for a grand new airport project was unveiled by
then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Rajnath Singh. Named the Taj International Aviation Hub (TIAH),
this greenfield project was planned for Jewar, near Greater Noida, alongside the
Yamuna Expressway. By April 2003, the Central Government had given the go-ahead, and the project
was projected to cost around a whopping ₹5000 crores, with completion targeted for 2007-2008.
However, progress stalled during the UPA regime due to the proximity of the proposed site to an
existing greenfield airport in Delhi. Located just 72 km from Indira Gandhi
International Airport (IGI), the new airport faced objections from IGI’s operator, GMR Group,
which argued that another international airport within 150 km would undermine traffic and revenue.
GMR had a right of first refusal (RoFR) for any new airport within this range, meaning they would
have the first chance to bid on the project if their bid was within 10% of the lowest bid.
When Akhilesh Yadav’s government took office in Uttar Pradesh in 2012,
they considered scrapping the Jewar project in favour of a new airport in Agra. By June 2013,
the state government had selected Kurrikupa village near Hirangaon, Tundla in Firozabad
district as the site. However, in January 2014, the Defence Ministry raised objections,
prompting the government to allocate land near Etmadpur in November 2014.
The project saw a revival in 2014 when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power at
the federal level, shifting focus back to Jewar. In June 2015, the Civil Aviation Ministry approved
the new airport to be built on 2,200 acres of land. By July 2017, the Union Chief Secretary
for Aviation urged the Uttar Pradesh government to expedite planning, as Hisar Airport was also vying
for approval to serve the NCR region, potentially diluting the viability of both projects.
Finally, in May 2018, the Ministry of Civil Aviation gave in-principle approval to the
Uttar Pradesh government to build the airport, marking a significant step in enhancing regional
infrastructure and connectivity. Momentum picked up in 2019 with the
commencement of land acquisition for phase one, completed by 2020. This was a critical
step in making the project a reality. Flughafen Zürich AG (Zurich Airport AG) won the contract
to develop and operate the airport for the next 40 years, bringing their expertise to
the project. Additionally, a tender was awarded for a 760-meter road connecting the airport to the
Yamuna Expressway, crucial for regional access. In 2021, the Airports Authority of India (AAI)
approved the master plan. On November 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone,
symbolizing the official start of construction under Zurich Airport AG’s guidance. By 2022,
Tata Projects Limited secured the civil construction contract, indicating strong
progress in building the necessary infrastructure. In 2023, the airport received its official code,
"DXN," from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking its recognition
in global aviation networks. This milestone facilitated the airport's inclusion in airline
schedules and logistics systems, setting the stage for its operational readiness.
From the initial approval in 2018 to its international recognition in 2023,
the project has seen significant collaboration between government bodies, international partners,
and domestic companies, driving this ambitious endeavor towards completion.
The authorities have given the latest update on the project. Noida International Airport Limited
(NIAL) have announced on March 19, that trial runs at Jewar airport are scheduled to begin by the
end of June. This significant milestone comes as approximately 80% of phase one nears completion.
NIAL took centre stage during a recent gathering with Uttar Pradesh officials and have given this
update. Entrusted with the monumental task of bringing this greenfield project to life,
NIAL has provided a comprehensive update on the project's progress.
Amidst discussions, insiders let slip that the runway has reached
completion—a pivotal moment in the airport's development. Assurances were made to state
authorities that within the next three months, the remaining crucial facilities,
including technical equipment, would be seamlessly integrated.
CEO Arun Vir Singh, a figurehead in this ambitious endeavor, has emphasized the team's unwavering
dedication to meeting their objectives. With a resolute gaze toward the future,
Singh has pledged concerted efforts to kickstart trial runs on the runway by late June or early
July. Their ultimate aspiration? To soar into operation by the close of September in 2024.
Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh has delivered a comprehensive overview of the airport's
advancements, shedding light on pivotal milestones. With confidence, he has declared that
they have successfully established the critical Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure. By July,
the airport will boast two state-of-the-art radars, enhancing operational efficiency
significantly. Initially, the airport is poised to handle up to 50 flights daily.
In terms of financial management, NIAL disclosed that roughly INR 7,371.51 crore of the allocated
INR 10,056 crore budget has been utilized for the greenfield airport's construction.
In an effort to transform connectivity, the state government has directed local agencies,
including the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) and NIAL,
to lead the development of a Metro line connecting the Noida airport to Delhi and the larger National
Capital Region. Yeida has already used the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's expertise to
create a comprehensive project report, which will serve as the foundation for a feasibility study.
But that's not all. Officials have also revealed that beyond Metro and road connectivity endeavors,
the state is delving into avant-garde transportation solutions. Ideas like a pod
taxi system and a rapid rail corridor are being explored, all with the singular aim of seamlessly
integrating the airport with the bustling expanse of the NCR region. These visionary plans promise
not just enhanced accessibility but a glimpse into the future of interconnected travel.
Yet, amid the excitement, some ecological concerns have emerged. India’s environmental
ministry set conditions for protecting the Dhanauri Wetlands as part of the approval
process. These conditions included creating buffer zones and ensuring minimal disruption
to the local flora and fauna. Despite this, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken no
steps to designate the wetlands as a Ramsar Site, a status that would offer international
protection and recognition. Furthermore, land allocation by YEIDA for construction
has reduced the wetland area, putting it at risk. Local environmental groups have raised alarms,
calling for immediate action to prevent irreversible damage to this vital ecosystem.
This blend of visionary planning and ecological challenge sets the
stage for Noida International Airport's journey,
reflecting both India's soaring ambitions and the critical need for sustainable development.
Do you think that this ambitious airport will help India’s aspiration to set notable
global travel standards? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
If you found this video interesting, give it a like and subscribe to our
channel. Thanks for watching! We will be back again with another informational video soon.
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