The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) survey to acquire 2,084 hectares for Phase 3 of Noida International Airport’s expansion. This approval allows for Section 11 of the Land Acquisition Act to be enacted, halting any sales, purchases, or construction within the designated area.

The Noida International Airport, located in Jewar, will eventually span 5,000 hectares, with the initial 1,334-hectare phase set to begin commercial operations next year, positioning it as India’s largest airport. Phase 2 plans are underway to secure 1,365 hectares for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, alongside 200 hectares for the resettlement of 9,000 affected families from Modelpur and Flada Bangar. Phase 3 will involve adding two new runways, expanding the airport's capacity to six runways.

Dr Arunvir Singh, CEO, Noida Airport, stated that the SIA’s approval is the initial step toward the land acquisition for the third phase. Meanwhile, Tata Power has committed to investing Rs 5.5 billion to power the airport with renewable energy, covering 50% of its electricity needs. The agreement, signed with Yamuna International Airport Pvt. Ltd., includes generating 10.8 MW from wind energy and 13 MW from an on-site solar plant, with Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. overseeing the project for 25 years.

Tata Power’s CEO, Dr Praveer Sinha, emphasised the importance of renewable energy in achieving a zero-carbon emission airport, while Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of Yamuna International Airport Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the partnership’s contribution to the airport’s sustainability goals. These initiatives aim to establish Noida International Airport as a model for eco-friendly aviation infrastructure in India.

(English Jagran)