The Uttar Pradesh government has earmarked Rs 1,150 crore for the forthcoming Noida International Airport in Gautam Buddha Nagar in the budget for 2024-25. This announcement came from UP's Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna during his budget presentation in the state assembly on Monday.

Khanna revealed, "We propose a budget of Rs 1,150 crore for establishing an international airport and acquiring land in Jewar of Gautam Buddha Nagar district."

Progress is underway for phase one of Noida International Airport, slated to commence commercial operations by year-end.

Earlier, Khanna highlighted in his budget speech that with the inauguration of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, four international airports have become operational in the state. Moreover, South Asia's largest international airport is set to open soon in Jewar, Noida.

Khanna emphasized, "This makes Uttar Pradesh the sole state in India to host five international airports."

He underscored ongoing efforts to enhance air connectivity in the state, citing initiatives under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) and the Civil Aviation Promotion Policy.

Khanna reported a 19.2% rise in air travelers in the current fiscal year compared to the previous one.

To bolster air connectivity, airports in Aligarh, Azamgarh, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot have been developed. Additionally, work is progressing on airports in Mayorpur (Sonbhadra) and Sarsawa (Saharanpur).

Furthermore, a proposal of Rs 150 crore has been put forth for expanding Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya.

Separately, Rs 1,100 crore has been allocated for the construction, expansion, and fortification of airstrips, along with land acquisition, as per the minister's statement.

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