PM Modi to Inaugurate Navi Mumbai International Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) today. Valued at ₹19,650 crore, this ambitious Greenfield project is set to transform Mumbai’s aviation landscape. Designed to operate alongside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, NMIA aims to reduce congestion and strengthen the city’s position among global multi-airport hubs.
India’s Largest Greenfield Airport Project Unveiled
Developed under the Public–Private Partnership model, NMIA is India’s largest Greenfield airport, covering 1,160 hectares. Once fully operational, it will handle up to 90 million passengers annually and process 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo. The Prime Minister is expected to tour the facility before its formal inauguration at 3:30 pm, marking a milestone in India’s infrastructure growth story.
Operations and Facilities Set for Rapid Expansion
Domestic flight operations from NMIA are slated to begin soon, followed by international routes by December. The airport includes four terminals and two parallel runways to accommodate rising traffic. A special VVIP terminal for high-profile travellers will be built by 2030. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared visuals of the new hub, calling it a symbol of Maharashtra’s progress and pride.
Architecture Inspired by Maharashtra’s Heritage
The airport’s design, crafted by London-based Zaha Hadid Architects, draws inspiration from the lotus flower and showcases art celebrating Maharashtra’s history and culture. NMIA will feature an Automated People Mover to connect all four terminals, ensuring smooth passenger movement. The modern design blends technology, tradition, and sustainability, aiming to create a world-class experience for travellers flying in and out of Mumbai.
Green and Digital Airport Sets New Benchmarks
Sustainability is central to NMIA’s vision, featuring solar power generation of 47 MW, electric buses, and storage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. It will also be India’s first airport connected by a water taxi service. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air will operate from NMIA, which plans to become the country’s first fully digital airport offering paperless and app-based services.
Airport Named After Leader Dinkar Balu Patil
The Maharashtra government has announced that the Navi Mumbai International Airport will be named after the late Dinkar Balu Patil. A key figure in the region’s development, Patil fought to ensure fair compensation for people displaced during Navi Mumbai’s creation. The naming proposal, first introduced under Uddhav Thackeray’s government, has now been approved, honouring Patil’s enduring legacy in Maharashtra’s growth story.
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