Noida: The completion of the Noida International Airport (NIA) has been postponed by six months, with the new target date set for April 2025. The delay is primarily due to the slow progress in constructing the terminal building, which is significantly behind schedule. According to sources, the shortage of “special grade steel” required for the terminal’s roof, coupled with delays in the international supply chain, has contributed to this setback.
Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), the project concessionaire, has acknowledged the delay but is committed to expediting the construction process. “Considering the current construction status, we aim to commence commercial operations by the end of April 2025. We are collaborating with our EPC contractor, Tata Projects Limited, and other stakeholders to maintain a high pace of construction activities and ensure operational readiness,” the company stated.
As of May 31, over 20% of the entire project remains incomplete, with significant work still pending on the terminal building’s façade and waterproofing. Tata Projects, responsible for the construction, had previously expressed concerns about the steel shortage but assured YIAPL that efforts were being made to source steel from multiple vendors. The next few weeks are critical for the project’s timeline. YIAPL emphasised the importance of ongoing work on the runway, passenger terminal, and control tower. Recent developments include the awarding of concessions for ground handling, commercial operations, and essential maintenance contracts. Additionally, agreements have been signed with several airlines for flight operations from the Noida International Airport.
Currently, approximately 9,000 workers are engaged at the airport site. The glass façade of the ATC tower is nearing completion, while the runway is receiving its final coat of asphalt. Installation of flight-related equipment is underway, and the Airports Authority of India is setting up crucial navigation aids such as glide paths and localisers. The first phase of the airport, covering 1,334 hectares, is projected to cost Rs 10,056 crore. Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL), the Uttar Pradesh government’s special purpose vehicle for the project, has announced plans to impose hefty penalties on the construction company for the delay. The concession agreement allows a grace period of 91 days under specific conditions, after which a fine of Rs 10 lakh per day will be levied.
NIAL CEO Arun Vir Singh revealed that a notice had already been issued to YIAPL on Monday for unilaterally extending the completion timeline without consulting the government body. “YIAPL made a unilateral decision to extend the deadline without our consultation. We will impose a fine in accordance with the concession agreement. The matter of the grace period will be decided by the state government,” Singh stated. Chief Secretary DS Mishra, who also chairs the NIAL board, will conduct a project review meeting on Friday. Senior officials from Tata Projects, including Raman Kapil, President of the Buildings and Infrastructure Division, will provide updates.
NIAL has also raised objections regarding the construction of a hotel by Roseate Group and a cargo terminal by AISATS without obtaining layout approvals from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). NIAL has delegated the responsibility of map approvals to YEIDA as it does not have its own bylaws. The Noida airport’s initial phase will feature a single runway and terminal, capable of handling 12 million passengers annually. The project will be developed in four phases, ultimately expanding to two runways and two terminals, accommodating up to 70 million passengers per year.
