Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed and honoured 170 farmers who travelled from Jewar to Lucknow on the first commercial flight operated from the newly launched Noida International Airport. The farmers had contributed land for the airport project, which the Chief Minister described as a transformative development that would reshape the future of western Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering at his official residence, the Chief Minister said Jewar had emerged as one of India’s most promising development hubs. “Today, even Kuber, the god of wealth, would like to come to Jewar,” he remarked, highlighting the growing interest of investors, industries, and global institutions in the region.
Yogi Adityanath recalled the challenges faced during the initial stages of land acquisition for the airport. He said that when the proposal for the airport was approved, there was uncertainty among farmers regarding the project. However, after extensive discussions and assurances, farmers placed their trust in the government and supported the initiative.
“This airport will change your destiny,” he said, adding that those who seize opportunities create history, while those who ignore them are left behind. The Chief Minister credited the farmers’ cooperation, along with the efforts of local representatives and officials, for enabling the acquisition of over 13,000 acres of land for the project.
Calling the launch of commercial operations from Jewar a historic day for India’s aviation sector, the Chief Minister said the airport would serve not only Uttar Pradesh but also the nation’s growing economic ambitions. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing the vision behind the project and acknowledged the contribution of local farmers in making it a reality.
The Chief Minister noted that the region, once known for poor infrastructure and limited opportunities, has undergone a remarkable transformation. He said that major investments in roads, connectivity, healthcare, education, and industry have turned Jewar into a preferred destination for business and development.
Highlighting the airport’s future potential, Yogi Adityanath said it is set to become India’s first integrated cargo and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub. This would enable farmers to export agricultural produce, fruits, vegetables, and fisheries products directly to international markets, significantly increasing their earnings.
He also announced that the area would host food processing units, semiconductor facilities, data centres, a film city, an apparel park, a medical device park, and world-class IT and electronics infrastructure. According to the Chief Minister, five globally ranked universities are also planning to establish campuses in the region.
Emphasising employment generation, he said local youth would benefit from skill development programmes and specialised training centres being developed in collaboration with leading industry partners. These initiatives would ensure that young people find quality jobs close to home.
The Chief Minister also assured support for higher education, healthcare, and sports infrastructure in Jewar, including a degree college, trauma centre, and indoor stadium facilities.
Among the 170 farmers who participated in the historic flight were 28 women. Congratulating them on the milestone journey, the Chief Minister said the airport represents not just infrastructure development but a symbol of opportunity, prosperity, and a brighter future for generations to come.
