PM Modi Inaugurates Navi Mumbai International Airport: Major Boost for Connectivity, Trade & Tourism
India’s Largest Greenfield Airport Aims to Serve 90 Million Passengers Annually and Ease Air Traffic in Mumbai
A Game-Changer for Indian Aviation Infrastructure
In a landmark moment for India’s aviation and infrastructure sectors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport, a world-class facility expected to significantly enhance connectivity for Mumbai, Pune, and the Konkan region.
Built under a Public-Private Partnership between Mumbai International Airport Ltd (a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Ltd) and CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd), the airport is poised to become a hub for global trade and tourism.
Top Highlights from the Inauguration
- PM Modi inaugurated the airport after receiving a detailed walkthrough of the newly built facility.
- He was joined by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.
- PM Modi emphasized the significance of the airport under his “Viksit Bharat” vision, promoting “gati aur pragati” (speed and progress).
- He noted a massive jump in aviation infrastructure: “In 2014, India had only 74 airports. Today, that number stands at 160 thanks to the UDAN Yojana, which made air travel accessible to millions.”
Navi Mumbai International Airport: Key Features
- Project Cost: ₹19,650 crore
- Initial Passenger Capacity: 20 million annually
- Cargo Handling: 3.2 million metric tonnes per year (projected)
- Runway Length: 3,700 meters
- Status: India’s largest Greenfield airport project
Boost to Economy, Trade, and Tourism
- The airport provides direct access to global markets, especially beneficial for Pune’s industrial hubs.
- With operations from airlines like IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express, connectivity to major domestic cities is set to begin soon.
- Once fully operational, the airport will handle up to 90 million passengers per year, easing the burden on Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
A Global Leap for Mumbai
The Navi Mumbai airport marks Mumbai’s entry into the global league of cities with multi-airport systems, similar to London, New York, and Tokyo.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated:
“This airport will redefine air travel, boost Maharashtra’s economic growth, and connect India to the world like never before.”
Voices Behind the Vision
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani credited the project’s success to teamwork:
“To every hand that worked and every heart that cared, this is your creation.”
