Jewar airport connectivity: Delhi–Mumbai Expressway link with Noida International Airport gets fresh push; check details

The Union Cabinet has approved a revised capital cost of Rs 3,630.77 crore for the construction of a 31.42 km greenfield connectivity corridor linking the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar with the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway network, a move aimed at strengthening transport access to the airport and boosting logistics across the National Capital Region (NCR).The decision, taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will facilitate construction of the high-speed corridor connecting the Delhi–Faridabad–Ballabhgarh–Sohna spur of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway to Jewar airport on Hybrid Annuity Mode across Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, according to an official statement.

The project is expected to provide direct connectivity from South Delhi, Faridabad and Gurugram to the upcoming airport, improving regional mobility and supporting economic activity across the NCR.The proposed corridor will intersect key transport networks including the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Yamuna Expressway and the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), enabling multimodal transport integration and strengthening freight and passenger movement linked to the airport.According to the government, around 11 km of the project will be developed as an elevated highway, forming a crucial segment of the greenfield connectivity between the DND–Ballabhgarh Bypass and Jewar International Airport and linking it to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.The elevated stretch will pass through areas identified for high-density urban development under the Faridabad Master Plan 2031. The additional cost of the elevated section is estimated at Rs 689.24 crore, of which the Haryana government will bear Rs 450 crore, the statement said.The connectivity project comes as the Noida International Airport at Jewar moves closer to operational launch after receiving its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), clearing a major regulatory hurdle for starting flight operations.The development was confirmed by Rakesh Kumar Singh, chief executive officer of Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, PTI reported.NIAL nodal officer Shailendra Bhatia said the aerodrome licence has been issued under civil aviation rules and covers domestic passenger flights as well as cargo operations.Officials said the remaining operational deployment and arrangements are expected to be completed within about 45 days, adding that the airport infrastructure is now ready.“Receiving the aerodrome license is a key milestone in our journey. It reflects the strong collaboration with our partners and the rigorous work undertaken to ensure readiness for commercial operations. We are committed to delivering a modern, efficient and passenger-centric airport that will serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth,” Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer of Noida International Airport, said in a statement.The airport is expected to be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said.The aerodrome licence issued under Rule 78 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 certifies that the airport meets regulatory requirements related to operational procedures, safety systems, infrastructure, navigation aids and emergency response standards mandated by DGCA.The approval follows a security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for domestic passenger operations as well as domestic and international cargo handling.Authorities said commercial flight operations will begin after the Aerodrome Security Programme (ASP) receives final approval from BCAS.“We look forward to receiving this approval in due course, following which airline schedules, ticket sales, and the formal inauguration will be announced closer to the launch of operations,” the airport said in a statement.The greenfield airport project in Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar, being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, is expected to become one of the largest airports in the country once fully operational.In the first phase, the airport spans about 1,300 hectares and will include one runway and one terminal building with the capacity to handle around 1.2 crore passengers annually.Passenger services were originally scheduled to begin in September 2024.Operational readiness activities under the Operational Readiness Activation and Transition (ORAT) programme are currently underway to ensure systems, processes and personnel are fully prepared for the launch.A key milestone was achieved in December 2024, when IndiGo operated a validation flight using an Airbus A320, successfully testing the airport’s approach procedures, navigation aids and air traffic control systems.Airport authorities said major operational infrastructure has already been completed, and concessions have been awarded for services including ground handling, aviation fuel supply, cargo, retail, food and beverage, in-flight catering, mobility services and the airport hotel.Communication and navigation systems have also been commissioned by the Airports Authority of India, bringing the project closer to full operational readiness.