Noida Was An ATM For Them: PM Modi Slams SP, Congress at Jewar Airport Launch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp political attack on the opposition, accusing the Samajwadi Party and the Indian National Congress of stalling the Noida International Airport project during their tenure. He claimed the ambitious infrastructure plan had remained "buried in files" for years without meaningful progress.

Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the airport in Greater Noida, Modi said the project symbolised India's continued development despite global uncertainties. He highlighted a series of recent infrastructure milestones in western Uttar Pradesh, including the launch of a semiconductor facility in Noida, the expansion of the Meerut Metro, and the progress of the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat regional rail service.

The Prime Minister credited these developments to the Centre and state working in tandem, describing it as a result of the "double-engine government". He said such projects were strengthening India's technological self-reliance and improving regional connectivity. The Jewar-based airport, he added, would position Uttar Pradesh as a key hub in global aviation, with flights expected to operate at high frequency.

Taking aim at previous administrations, Modi alleged that Noida had once been treated as a revenue source for political gain, but was now emerging as a driver of growth under the current dispensation.

PM Modi said, "This Jewar Airport is connecting all of North India with the world... From here, planes will take off every 2 minutes. Earlier, the Samajwadi Party treated Noida as an 'ATM' for their own gain, but under the BJP government, Noida is becoming the engine of UP's development."

Speaking against the backdrop of global instability, including the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Modi said India was navigating economic pressures carefully. He noted that disruptions in the supply of essential commodities such as fuel and food had affected many countries, but asserted that his government was taking steps to shield citizens and farmers from the fallout.

The Prime Minister also underlined the broader economic impact of the airport, saying it would benefit several cities across western Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Mathura, Meerut and Ghaziabad. He added that the project would generate new opportunities for farmers, small businesses and young people in the region, while boosting connectivity with international markets.

Calling the inauguration a milestone, Modi said the airport marked a new phase in the vision of a "Viksit Uttar Pradesh" contributing to a "Viksit Bharat". He also noted the symbolic significance of being involved in both the foundation laying and inauguration of the project.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath echoed the Prime Minister's remarks, saying the airport was a crucial step in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation. He accused previous governments of leaving Uttar Pradesh mired in developmental stagnation for over a decade, and said the state had undergone a transformation in recent years.

Adityanath added that Uttar Pradesh was now carving out a new identity on the global aviation map, with the Noida International Airport expected to play a central role in boosting economic growth and regional connectivity.