A pact was signed between the joint venture company of the Uttar Pradesh government and the special purpose vehicle of Swiss developer Zurich International Airport AG for the handover of the 1,334-hectare land at the project site in Jewar, as a stepping stone toward the development of Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL). According to an official statement, the licencing pact was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath between the NIAL and The Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL). At the Lok Bhavan in Lucknow, Minister of Civil Aviation Nand Gopal Gupta, NIAL CEO Arun Vir Singh, CEO of ZIA Christoph Schnellmann, ACEO Shailendra Bhatia, Director Civil Aviation Bishak, and, among others, signed the deal handing over the site to YIAPL. The airport will be built in a region that was once known for its disputes but is now known for its progress. Mismanagement resulted in several major incidents in the region. However, the state government ensured coordination and dialogue with all village residents, allowing for the acquisition of 1,334 hectares of land for Phase 1 of the project, according to Adityanath. The airport that is being built in Jewar will also encourage industrialization, investment, and employment in the region, as per the statement. The construction work would begin soon after the licence memorandum was signed today. The minister cited that the airport is strategically vital and would act as an economic development engine for UP and India. The airport, which is expected to be the largest in India when completed, is being built in four phases in Jewar, near Delhi. Phase 1 would cover 1,334 hectares and include two runways with a total annual passenger capacity of 12 million. Image Source Also read: Zurich Airport inks pact for Noida International Airport development Also read: UP sanctions land acquisition funds for second phase of Jewar airport