In a significant update during the presentation of the Maharashtra Budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Ajit Pawar shared that the first phase of the Navi Mumbai airport is poised to commence operations by March 2025. The ambitious project, spearheaded by the Adani Group, is anticipated to handle 9 crore passengers annually, spanning across five planned phases.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had previously communicated in January that commercial activities at the Navi Mumbai International Airport are slated to kick off by March 31, 2025. At that time, approximately 55-60% of the project had been completed.
The Navi Mumbai Airport has been conceptualized as a 100% green airport, featuring automated passenger movement within its sprawling 1600-hectare expanse. The initial two phases are designed to cater to 2 crore passengers annually, with subsequent phases introducing additional terminals and a second runway.
The strategic connectivity of the airport includes road networks like NH 4B (348) and the Sion Panvel Highway, complemented by rail connectivity through the Targhar Railway station. Further enhancing accessibility are upcoming metro lines, such as DN Nagar to Mandale – Mankhurd (metro line 2D) and Mumbai Airport to Navi Mumbai Airport (metro line 8). Future plans encompass hovercraft connectivity from Colaba and cargo connectivity from Raigad in Phase 2.
In addition to the Navi Mumbai Airport update, Ajit Pawar shed light on a new MSME policy, the Jal Jeevan Mission, housing initiatives for Divyang individuals, and upcoming projects for Maharashtra Bhavan in Ayodhya and Srinagar during the budget presentation.
