In a recent announcement, Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar confirmed that the initial phase of the much-awaited Navi Mumbai airport would be operational by March 2025. It is important to mention here that Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has already stated that commercial operations at the Navi Mumbai airport are set to commence by March 31, 2025. Moreover, as of January, more than half of the project’s work has been completed. The Navi Mumbai airport project is being developed by the Adani Group and is divided into five phases.
Once fully completed, it will have the capacity to handle 90 million passengers per annum. Initially, the first two phases will have a capacity of accommodating 20 million passengers per annum. One of the key highlights of this project is the automation of passenger movement, marking it as India’s first airport to have this feature within its 1600-hectare campus. The airport is being designed to be environmentally friendly, ensuring it operates as a 100 percent green airport in the initial phase. The subsequent phases of the project will feature a second runway, four terminals, and an increased passenger capacity of 9 crore. Once all five phases are completed, the airport will proudly boast four terminals and two runways.
Improved Connectivity and Transportation Network
The second airport project in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, which encompasses the Navi Mumbai airport, commenced construction in 2018. To ensure ease of travel for the residents and visitors to the new airport, several connectivity projects are underway. Road connectivity will be strengthened with the construction of NH 4B 348 and the Sion Panvel Highway, providing travelers with multiple routes to reach the airport. Furthermore, the Atal Setu will contribute to enhancing accessibility to the airport, connecting it effectively with neighboring areas. Rail and metro connectivity has also been strategically planned. The Targhar Railway station will facilitate rail connectivity to the Navi Mumbai airport. Additionally, multiple metro lines will strengthen the transportation network, including metro lines 2D DN Nagar to Mandale – Mankhurd, metro line 8 from Mumbai Airport to Navi Mumbai Airport, and the Navi Mumbai Pendhar Belapur Taloja metro line.
The Future of Navi Mumbai Airport
As the countdown to the operationalization of the Navi Mumbai airport continues, the completion of its first phase by March 2025 brings Maharashtra another step closer to having a world-class airport in the region. With automated passenger movement, plans for further expansion, and improved connectivity, this infrastructure project is expected to be a significant contributor to Maharashtra’s growth and development.
