Noida Airport Gets Half of UP's Civil Aviation Budget

26 Feb 2025 CW Team

The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated nearly 50% of its civil aviation budget to the development of Noida International Airport in Jewar. Out of the total Rs 31.52 billion budget, Rs 15.5 billion has been earmarked for land acquisition, rehabilitation, and resettlement for the airport, which is set for commercial launch in April 2025. An additional Rs 500 million is proposed for ongoing construction activities. For the airport’s second phase, 1,365 hectares have already been acquired, while the first phase — featuring a 3,900-meter runway, ATC, cargo area, and a terminal designed to handle 12 million passengers annually — is nearing completion. The third and fourth phases will require 2,053 hectares, mostly from private farmland. Beyond Noida Airport, the state is investing Rs 11 billion in expanding airports in Varanasi, Aligarh, Shravasti, and Gorakhpur. Varanasi’s LBS International Airport will get an extended runway of 4,075 meters, with NH-31 passing through a tunnel underneath — the first such infrastructure in India. UP currently has 16 operational airports, up from just four in 2017. The government has also allocated Rs 900 million for air service improvements and Rs 200 million for the Regional Connectivity Scheme to make air travel more accessible in underserved areas. (english.mathrubhumi)

Building Material

26 Feb 2025

AkzoNobel India to Buy Dulux IP for Rs 11.52 Billion Amid Sale Talks

AkzoNobel India is set to acquire the intellectual property rights, including the trademark and goodwill of its flagship ‘Dulux’ brand for India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh from its parent company Akzo Nobel for Rs 11.52 billion. This move signals the potential sale of the decorative paints business under the Dulux brand. Sources indicate that in the second round of discussions, the parent company has shortlisted three Indian bidders for the business, with JSW Paints (in partnership with TPG) and Pidilite emerging as prominent contenders who have placed non-binding bids. (businessline)..

Ports, Shipping and Logistics to Drive Growth

India’s maritime sector remains a vital pillar of economic development, facilitating trade and global connectivity. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, speaking at the 12th Biennial International Conference on Ports, Shipping & Logistics 2025 in Mumbai, highlighted the need to enhance shipbuilding, flagged vessel operations, and logistics efficiency. The Minister noted that India has immense potential in shipbuilding and urged stakeholders to propose strategies for increasing Indian-flagged vessels. While India allows cabotage within WTO regulations, the country lacks a..

India’s Investment Climate Strengthens Growth and Global Alliances

The Central Government is committed to creating a business-friendly investment climate, ensuring regulatory stability, and enhancing the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in India. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal reiterated this during his virtual address at the Pune International Business Summit 2025, organised by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (MCCIA) on January 24, 2025. Shri Goyal highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s recent visits to the USA and France have strengthened investment opportunities and global partnership..