New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday visited the Noida International Airport to review preparations ahead of its likely inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected on March 28.

According to officials, the Prime Minister is expected to inaugurate the cargo terminal and lay the foundation stone for a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul project during the visit.

During the inspection, the Chief Minister reviewed the proposed route of the Prime Minister’s visit and examined key locations including the passenger terminal, cargo terminal, rally venue, parking areas, access routes and helipad. Officials said a four-layer security system will be in place for the event.

Adityanath later held a review meeting with public representatives and senior officials to assess preparations, security arrangements and operational plans. He directed all departments to work in coordination and complete the work within the set deadline.

Those present during the visit included Minister-in-charge of Gautam Buddha Nagar Brijesh Singh, BJP regional president Satyendra Sisodia, district president Abhishek Sharma, metropolitan president Mahesh Chauhan, MP Mahesh Sharma, MLA Dhirendra Singh, MLA Tejpal Nagar and MLC Shrichand Sharma.

As per earlier reports, Phase 1 of the airport will have one runway with an annual passenger handling capacity of 1.20 crore, with around 150 flights expected to operate daily. The government has stated that about Rs 5,000 crore has been spent on land acquisition, while nearly Rs 7,000 crore is being invested in construction.

“Once the number of passengers crosses 1 crore annually, the process of constructing the second runway will begin. With two runways, the airport will be capable of serving around 7 crore passengers annually,” an official had told The Indian Express.

Located around 85 km from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the airport is expected to serve as a major passenger and cargo hub.

BI Bureau