PM Modi Inaugurates ₹19,650-Cr Navi Mumbai Airport, Set to Ease Traffic and Improve India’s Global Connectivity

New Delhi (India) October 8: The Navi Mumbai International Airport's first phase was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. It was constructed at a cost of Rs 19,650 crore. It is part of a public-private collaboration between Adani Airports and CIDCO. It can handle 3.25 million tons of cargo annually and 9 crore passengers annually. 

The goal of this second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Area is to improve Mumbai's standing among international cities with multi-airport systems. It will also relieve traffic at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Modi Calls Airport a Symbol of ‘Viksit Bharat’

Modi said, “Now Mumbai has a new airport, which will be Asia’s largest connectivity hub. 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 launch of Navi Mumbai airport was attended by industrialist Gautam Adani, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

D.B. Patil Honoured in Naming of New Airport

The airport is formally named after the late D.B. Patil. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised him in his speech. He referred to the airport as a "people's airport built with local participation."

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “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. 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.”

It is anticipated that domestic flights will start operating from the new airport shortly. The international flights will start operating by December. The facility has two parallel runways and four terminals. There are also plans for a dedicated VVIP terminal. 

Green Features Include Solar Power and Water Recycling

NMIA will be the first airport in India to be entirely digital. It will have automated passenger processing, biometric e-gates, facial recognition boarding, and smart baggage management. Its energy requirements will be satisfied by about 47 MW of solar energy, water recycling systems, and electric vehicle services.

Architectural Design Showcases Maharashtra’s Heritage

The lotus flower serves as the idea for the terminal structure. It was created by London-based Zaha Hadid Architects. It will feature artwork celebrating Maharashtra's past and culture.

The airport was created using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It is the biggest greenfield airport project in India.