UP Hikes Land Acquisition Rate for Jewar Airport by 39%

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a significant 39% hike in the land acquisition rate for the under-construction Jewar International Airport in Greater Noida, marking a major pro-farmer move. The rate will increase from ₹3,100 per square meter to ₹4,300 per square meter, benefiting farmers whose land parcels are required for the final phase of the airport project.

The announcement was made during a meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence with farmers whose lands are to be acquired. Yogi Adityanath directed the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) CEO to expedite measures providing relief to the affected farmers. In addition to the revised land acquisition rate, YEIDA will cover applicable interest payments and facilitate the resettlement of farmers, as well as provide self-employment and employment opportunities for their families.

So far, approximately 1,334 hectares (roughly 3,300 acres) of land has been seamlessly acquired for the project, which is poised to transform Uttar Pradesh’s industrial and infrastructure landscape. The Jewar aviation hub is expected to attract substantial investments and catalyze industries, including emerging sectors like data centers.

Chief Minister Adityanath stated that within the next decade, the Jewar region would become one of India’s most prosperous and developed areas. He also confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the airport, set to be one of the largest in Asia, next year.

A test flight was successfully conducted on December 9, and the runway is expected to be commissioned in the coming months following additional trials and tests. The first phase of the airport, featuring a single runway, will have the capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually. By 2030, this capacity is projected to increase to 30 million passengers with the addition of a second runway.

Future development plans include a third runway over 1,365 hectares in the second phase, followed by fourth and fifth runways over 1,318 hectares and 735 hectares, respectively.

The Jewar International Airport is being developed by Swiss company Zurich Airport International (Zurich AG).

BS