Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 8: In a historic step towards transforming Maharashtra’s aviation landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on October 8 afternoon, bringing a significant boost to trade, tourism, and connectivity for Mumbai, Pune, and the Konkan region.
The grand opening ceremony is scheduled for 3.30 pm, during which the Prime Minister will tour the new facility and address a special gathering.
Calling it a landmark achievement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted on X, “The wait is finally over. This airport is set to redefine air travel, boost Maharashtra’s growth, and connect India to the world like never before.”
Built at a massive investment of Rs 19,650 crore, the state-of-the-art airport is initially designed to accommodate 2 crore passengers annually, promising to ease the mounting pressure on Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The project has been developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Mumbai International Airport Ltd (a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Ltd) and CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd).
Hailing the collaborative effort, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, praised the workforce behind the project. Responding to a post by Jeet Adani, Director of Airports at Adani Group, he said, “To every hand that worked and every heart that cared, this is your creation.”
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, said the mega project will “propel Maharashtra to new heights,” adding that it will provide direct access to global markets for industries across Pune, Mumbai, and the Konkan belt.
The airport, equipped with a 3,700-metre-long runway, is the largest Greenfield airport project in the country and will work in tandem with Mumbai’s existing international airport, making Mumbai part of the league of global cities with multi-airport systems such as London, Tokyo, and New York.
Leading carriers including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have already announced plans to commence domestic operations from the new hub.
Once fully completed, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is projected to handle 90 million passengers annually and manage over 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo, setting the stage for a new era of growth in Maharashtra’s trade and tourism sectors.
The inauguration of NMIA is expected to be a game-changer for western India, cementing Maharashtra’s position as a premier gateway to global markets.