Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a significant Greenfield project constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 19,650 crore. Spanning 1,160 hectares, the new airport is poised to enhance India’s aviation capacity and alleviate the strain on Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which has been grappling with heavy traffic.
Prior to the official inauguration, PM Modi conducted a walkthrough of the state-of-the-art facility. Speaking at the event, he highlighted the airport’s transformative potential, stating, “Now Mumbai has a new airport, which will be Asia’s largest connectivity hub.”
He further emphasised its role in national development, saying, “Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project which reflects 'Viksit Bharat'...With this new airport, farmers in Maharashtra will be connected to the markets of the Middle East and Europe. This will attract investment and new businesses to the area.”
The inauguration was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and industrialist Gautam Adani. Addressing the gathering, Minister Kinjarapu underscored the airport’s significance, stating, “Navi Mumbai has emerged as a symbol of new hope and aspirations. With this world-class international airport, it now stands as a symbol of India’s growing stature on the global stage. Today’s occasion is significant not just for Maharashtra, but for the entire nation.”
He further praised the progress of India’s aviation sector under PM Modi’s leadership, noting, “Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India’s aviation sector has transformed into a powerful force, setting an example for the world. From taking revenge for our daughters through Operation Sindoor to expanding air connectivity across the country, the NDA government has built 90 new airports in just 11 years, averaging one airport every 45 days, an incredible global record.”
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The NMIA is set to commence domestic flight operations soon, with international routes expected to begin by December 2025. The airport features four terminals and two parallel runways, with plans for a dedicated VVIP terminal, the construction of which is scheduled to start in 2026 and be completed by 2030. Designed by London-based Zaha Hadid Architects, the terminal’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the lotus flower and will incorporate art celebrating Maharashtra’s rich history and culture.
Key features of the NMIA include an Automated People Mover, a rapid transit system connecting all four terminals, and infrastructure to support Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) storage. The airport will generate approximately 47 MW of solar power and operate electric bus services to promote green mobility. Additionally, it will be India’s first airport connected via a water taxi service. The facility aims to be the country’s first fully digital airport, offering paperless boarding, e-gates, and a dedicated mobile app for real-time updates. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have confirmed plans to operate from NMIA.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the inauguration as a “grand moment” for Maharashtra and Mumbai’s growth. He announced that the airport will be named after the late Dinkar Balu Patil, who advocated for fair compensation for those affected by the initial development of Navi Mumbai.
Also Read: PM Modi to inaugurate Navi Mumbai Airport, Metro Line 3
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