A sneak peek into Noida International Airport ahead of inauguration today

PRime government minister Narendra Modi is go down to kick off the number one stage of the Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh’s Jewar on Saturday. The airport will be the main international hub for key cities in the state, including Noida, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Mathura and Agra, as well as the entry point for several religious and tourist locations.The Noida airport has been developed as the second international airport for the Delhi-NCR region, supporting Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Both airports are expected to help reduce crowding, increase passenger capacity and strengthen Delhi-NCR’s position among major global aviation centres, according to an official statement.Follow Noida airport inauguration live updates here.Inside Noida International AirportAhead of the inauguration, PM Modi posted several images of the airport on Friday. The airport is expected to handle 12 million passengers every year in the initial phase. Once fully completed, its capacity could go up to 70 million passengers each year.ALSO READ | Farmers cheer Noida airport inauguration, but demand proper rehabilitation as promisedTake a look at some of the photos: All you need to know about Noida AirportThe airport features a 3,900-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300ER. It also has modern navigation systems, including the Instrument Landing System, and advanced airfield lighting to support smooth operations in all weather conditions, at any time of the day, as per a statement.Officials said the airport has been planned as a multi-modal transport hub that connects road, rail, metro and regional transit networks. This is expected to cut travel time and reduce logistics costs.In addition, airport authorities said the terminal design takes ideas from Indian heritage. It includes features inspired by the ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar, haveli-style structures with courtyards, and the use of local materials, art, and lattice screens.The airport also includes eco-friendly features such as natural light and ventilation, rainwater harvesting and plans to use renewable energy, in line with a net-zero emissions target.The first phase of the project has been built at an estimated cost of around Rs.11,200 crore under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The government said it is one of the largest greenfield airport projects in the country.The airport’s catchment area is based on a 120-minute free-flow travel time. It covers Delhi, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar and parts of Meerut, Sonipat, Jhajjar and Rewari.