India intends to establish 100 airports and 200 helipads

India plans to build 100 airports and 200 helipads in smaller towns and cities in the coming years, as the government seeks to enhance regional connectivity, trade and tourism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during the inauguration of the Noida International Airport project that the Indian aviation sector, which is characterized by a rapid pace of growth, will require more aircraft and infrastructure, expecting a plane to take off every two minutes.

Modi added that India has more than doubled its airports to 160 airports, from 74 airports in 2014, stressing that airlines’ demand for aircraft will increase the demand for skilled workers, which will provide job opportunities for Indian youth.

The $1.2 billion project will be able to handle 12 million passengers annually, while the airport, which is described as the largest Indian airport, will extend over a distance of about 7,200 acres upon completion and will include six airstrips. The project is based on one investor, which is Zurich International Airport.

This step underscores India’s efforts to accelerate the growth of aviation infrastructure.