Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced that Uttar Pradesh (UP) will witness significant growth in its aviation infrastructure with the establishment of 22 new airports within the next three years. The minister made this announcement during the inauguration of the new terminal at Kanpur airport, alongside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The development aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth in the state.
Presently, UP boasts 11 operational airports, and an additional 11 airports will be constructed over the next three years. The upcoming airports will be located in Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Jhansi, Ghazipur, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Saharanpur, and Shravasti, effectively expanding air travel accessibility to various regions of the state.
The newly inaugurated terminal at Kanpur airport is a significant milestone in this endeavor. With a project cost of Rs 150 crore, the terminal building is 16 times larger than the previous one. It has been equipped to accommodate 400 passengers during peak hours, a substantial increase from the previous capacity of 50 passengers. This modern facility will not only benefit Kanpur but also have a positive impact on eight surrounding districts.
Minister Scindia emphasized the government’s commitment to air connectivity by stating that 59 new routes have been announced, with an additional 122 routes planned for the future. As part of these initiatives, Kanpur will be connected with Pantnagar, Aligarh, Moradabad, and Shravasti. The enhanced air travel options will promote tourism, trade, and business opportunities in these regions.
In addition to the expansion in Kanpur, the government plans to construct a new airport in Ayodhya within the next 18 months. Furthermore, the upcoming airport in Jewar aims to rival major airports in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. These developments highlight the state’s commitment to establishing a robust aviation network and positioning UP as a key player in India’s aviation sector.
Comparing the growth under the current BJP government to previous administrations, Minister Scindia highlighted the substantial increase in weekly plane arrivals in UP. In 2013-14, the state witnessed 652 weekly arrivals, which has now surged to 1,595 arrivals per week. This growth showcases the transformative impact of government policies and initiatives in bolstering air connectivity and economic development in UP.
The expansion of aviation infrastructure in UP is set to propel the state’s growth, fostering connectivity, tourism, and economic opportunities. The establishment of new airports and the enhancement of existing facilities will undoubtedly contribute to the overall progress and prosperity of the state.