Noida Jewar Airport Symbolizes the Spirit of 'New India': PM Modi
Noida: While inaugurating the Noida Jewar International Airport in Jewar on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that this project symbolizes the "spirit of New India." He remarked that, even amidst global crises, India is forging ahead with strength and maintaining its momentum of development.
Referring to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, PM Modi noted that it has disrupted the global supply of essential resources—particularly crude oil and gas. He gave an assurance that the government is tackling this crisis with full vigor and will ensure that its burden does not fall upon farmers or the common people.
Airport will bring immense benefits to the entire region
PM stated that the Noida Airport would bring immense benefits to the entire region of Western Uttar Pradesh, including Ghaziabad, Meerut, Etawah, Bulandshahr, Agra, and Mathura. This airport, he added, would generate new opportunities for farmers, small-scale industries, and the youth. Highlighting the enthusiasm of the youth, PM Modi remarked that this project is poised to give a new trajectory to their future.
Modi described it as a new chapter in the "Viksit UP – Viksit Bharat" (Developed UP – Developed India) campaign, noting that Uttar Pradesh has now joined the ranks of states with the highest number of international airports in the country.
The Prime Minister expressed that it was a matter of great pride for him to have had the opportunity to participate in both the laying of the foundation stone and the inauguration of this airport. Furthermore, he invited the public to share in the ownership of this achievement.
Airports give wings to progress
PM Modi stated that in any country, an airport is not merely an operational facility; rather, these airports give wings to progress. Prior to 2014, there were 74 airports in the country; today, there are 160. Air connectivity is now reaching not only the major metropolitan areas but also smaller cities. The previous government held the view that air travel should be reserved exclusively for the wealthy. However, the BJP government has made air travel accessible to the common people.
16 million people have been able to travel at affordable rate
He noted that the number of airports in Uttar Pradesh has rapidly increased to 17. It has been the BJP government's consistent endeavor to ensure that while airport infrastructure is developed, airfares remain within the financial reach of ordinary families. To this end, the UDAN scheme was launched. As a result, 16 million people have been able to travel at affordable rates.
Recently, the UDAN scheme has been further expanded, with an allocation of Rs 29,000 crore approved for this purpose. Under this initiative, there are plans to construct 100 new airports and 200 helipads in smaller cities. Uttar Pradesh stands to benefit immensely from this development.
During his address, the PM Modi also orchestrated a unique visual spectacle; he called upon the audience to switch on their mobile phone flashlights to participate actively in the inauguration ceremony.
"This is your asset; this is your future," he declared, as he urged the people to collectively become a part of the inauguration amidst chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai."