One of the most anticipated public infrastructure projects in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh’s Jewar, is likely to become operational within a few months. Once operational, it is expected to become the preferred choice of those living in Noida, Greater Noida, and other cities like Aligarh, Bulandshahr, Meerut, and Agra in west U.P.

Much of it has to do with the airport’s location — its proximity to the Yamuna Expressway (Greater Noida to Agra), the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (Kundli–Ghaziabad–Palwal), and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, work on which is ongoing. A high-speed metro corridor between Ghaziabad and Jewar is also in the works.

The airport would seem a natural choice for those in the NCR who live closer to Jewar than to the IGI Airport. However, many frequent fliers The Hindu spoke to expressed mixed emotions about travelling to the Noida International Airport to catch their flights. Some were apprehensive about issues such as safety and transport when compared to the airport in Delhi, which is bustling round the clock and has a heavy security presence 24x7. However, the others were looking forward to substantial reductions in their travel time and a boom in their businesses with the launch of operations at the airport in Jewar.

‘Matter of habit’

For Alwar-based Adya Goyal, IGI Airport is deeply embedded in all the itineraries which involve taking a flight. She said the airport in Jewar won’t affect her plans, at least in the short term.

“I feel that the IGI Airport has better public transport connectivity and infrastructure and is more safe. As a woman, accessibility is essential to me. Unless the flight tickets in Jewar are 20% cheaper, I don’t see myself going there,” said Ms. Goyal.

Harshita Verma, 24, a resident of Vrindavan (84 km away), felt that, with time, the new airport, which is 70 km closer to her home, would become as good as the one in the Capital. She was more apprehensive about the likelihood of a neverending tourist boom.

“Vrindavan is a small town. It is anyway populated with tourists all through the year. Once the airport in Jewar becomes functional, tourist influx will become a big issue for us. There are far too many vehicles in Vrindavan already,” she said.

Harsh Bansal, who runs a solar company from Firozabad, barely 45 km away from Agra, said the new airport would help provide a much-needed fillip to the businesses in west U.P. cities, such as Aligarh, Agra, and Mathura. “The tourist spots and cultural centres will become more accessible.”

‘Fewer flights’

Anusha Arif, who hails from Aligarh and is pursuing her MS from the U.S., said the Noida International Airport could cut down her travel time by up to three hours if and when there are direct U.S.-Jewar flights.

“In the beginning, of course, there won’t be any direct flights. I would have to take connecting flights to Jewar, which would end up taking the same time as it takes for me on the road from the IGI Airport,” said the 24-year-old.

She added, “With Delhi, there’s a bonus in terms of hotel and lounge facilities, as well as the easy availability of taxis any time of the day. The same may not be there in Jewar. At least, initially.”

For 26-year-old Oindrilla Chaudhary, an entrepreneur residing in Greater Noida West, both the airports would be equidistant. However, the airport in Jewar would spare her from the traffic snarls in Delhi. “I can reach Jewar in an hour. Going to the Delhi airport takes a minimum of 1.5 hours and, sometimes, as much as 2.5 hours,” said Ms. Chaudhary.

Bus connectivity

Regarding concerns about the last-mile connectivity in Jewar, a Regional Transport Office (RTO) official said a committee comprising RTO officials from Noida and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority has prepared a plan to connect the airport with a bus network and has sent it to the department headquarters in Lucknow.

“The panel looked at bus routes, including the number and type of buses. The report is awaiting approval, which is expected by the month-end,” said the official.

He added, “The airport will be added to the routes of buses originating from Aligarh, Bulandshahr, Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Noida. Air-conditioned buses will also ply the route.”

‘Only promises’

However, those living in and around Jewar are not convinced by the authorities’ promise of connecting the area with buses, trains, and metro networks.

Jewar residents point out that so many years after the airport work began, public transport has still not reached the area.

In Kishorpur, adjacent to the airport, the roads are broken due to construction work in the area and the air is full of dust. An elderly couple was sitting by the roadside waiting for a bus.

“Only one or two buses come here. That too whenever the drivers please. We have to climb onto the Yamuna Expressway using ropes to get a ride,” said the woman.

Mukesh, who has set up a snack shop in the area, said that the nearest railway stations are in Palwal, which is 30 km away, and Khurja, which is 33 km away. “If you want to get on a bus, then you have to be prepared to spend your entire day waiting,” he added.