Noida, — In a bid to meet the fast-approaching deadlines, Tata Projects has intensified construction work on the Noida International Airport by deploying 2,000 additional workers on site. The decision comes as the company faces a steep penalty of ₹10 lakh per day due to project delays, which have pushed the ambitious infrastructure initiative behind schedule.
Originally expected to be completed earlier this year, the Noida International Airport project—being developed near Jewar in Uttar Pradesh—hit several roadblocks. According to officials associated with the project, a combination of persistent heavy rains and intricate architectural designs contributed significantly to the delay.
Tata Projects, which is overseeing the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work for the greenfield airport, is now under pressure to deliver the first phase of the airport by mid-2025. As per the revised schedule, the airport is expected to commence domestic flight operations by May 15, while international services are slated to begin by June 25.
The Uttar Pradesh government, in partnership with Zurich Airport International AG—which holds the concession to build and operate the airport—has been closely monitoring progress. Senior officials have confirmed that the penalty of ₹10 lakh per day, as outlined in the contractual agreement, is being enforced strictly to ensure that deadlines are met without further compromise.
“The delay has been unfortunate, but we are committed to completing the first phase on time,” said a Tata Projects spokesperson. “With additional manpower and longer work shifts, we are now focused on meeting the new targets for both domestic and international operations.”
The Noida International Airport is a key infrastructure initiative for the state and the National Capital Region (NCR). Once completed, it will be India’s largest airport in terms of area and is expected to ease congestion at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The first phase aims to handle around 12 million passengers annually, with future phases expanding capacity to accommodate up to 70 million.
Despite the delays, officials remain optimistic. Recent drone footage and progress reports indicate that work on the runway, terminal building, and air traffic control tower has picked up pace. The additional workers have been strategically deployed across multiple zones to speed up different aspects of construction simultaneously.
Government authorities have reiterated their commitment to operational readiness before the Lok Sabha elections later this year. The airport project is not just crucial for enhancing connectivity but also seen as a potential economic catalyst for the region, bringing in investments, jobs, and global attention.
Industry experts say that the success of the airport project could set a new benchmark in infrastructure development in India. However, the aggressive deadlines and financial penalties underline the immense pressure on Tata Projects to deliver without compromising on safety or quality.
As of now, around 70% of the work for the first phase has been completed. With the new deployment of workers and improved weather conditions expected in the coming weeks, the construction team is hopeful of meeting the revised targets.
The Noida International Airport, once operational, is expected to feature world-class facilities, including multi-modal connectivity through expressways, metro rail, and dedicated cargo corridors. It will also be the first net-zero emission airport in India, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Source:
- Times of India, May 6, 2025: Tata Projects hires 2,000 more workers to fast-track Jewar airport
- Hindustan Times, May 5, 2025: Noida airport to be ready for domestic flights by May 15
