The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) is rapidly advancing its land acquisition efforts for the maintenance and repair and overhaul (MRO) hub, a pivotal component of the second phase of the Noida International Airport. Officials familiar with the matter disclosed this significant development on Sunday. As per official reports, Yeida has already secured ownership of 814 hectares of land out of the total 1,365 hectares needed for the ambitious MRO project. Last year, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet gave its nod to the MRO policy, aiming to expedite the establishment of this vital facility within the airport's premises. The state government envisions the Noida airport as a major aviation hub, catering to various airline operations, cargo transfers, and MRO services. Arun Vir Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) and Yeida, stated, We have acquired 814 hectares of land out of 1,365 hectares designated for the MRO hub project. We have put this project on the fast track because we are likely to issue a global tender by October 20 to select a company for the development and operation of this mega project, which is an integral part of the Noida International Airport, expected to become operational next year. Yeida has already disbursed Rs 28 billion in compensation out of a total of Rs 39 billion for the 814 hectares of land that have been acquired. Balram Singh, Additional District Magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar, added, Compensation distribution for the remaining land is currently in progress to expedite the acquisition process. The authority has earmarked 6,000 hectares of land in the Jewar area along the Yamuna Expressway for the development of a comprehensive civil aviation hub. Phase I encompassing 1,334 hectares has already been acquired and handed over to Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, which will oversee the airport's construction and commence operations by September 29, 2024. Singh further explained, In the second phase, 1,365 hectares of land will be allocated to the civil aviation department for the development of the MRO hub, which is expected to attract investors from across the globe. The MRO hub will generate employment opportunities and provide a significant boost to the local economy in the region. The land acquisition for the 1,365 hectares needed for the MRO hub is currently underway, encompassing villages such as Jewar Bangar, Madalpur, Faileda, Karauli, Tirthali, Dhanpura, and Mahndipur, among others. Singh emphasized, Approximately 13,000 families of farmers own the land required for the MRO hub. These families will be relocated to a township built on 212 hectares of land in Madalpur village along the Yamuna Expressway area. We are in the process of finalising the arrangements for the rehabilitation of these farmers. Once the global tender is issued, the development process for the MRO hub is estimated to take 2-3 years, encompassing all necessary procedures and preparations. This ambitious project is poised to be a pivotal milestone in enhancing the aviation infrastructure and economic prospects of the region.