Navi Mumbai Airport Symbolizes Maharashtra’s Trust in New India – Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Mumbai, Oct 2025 : The Navi Mumbai International Airport is not just an airport—it is set to become a new engine of economic growth for Maharashtra and India. This project has the potential to increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by one percent, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, State Ministers Ganesh Naik, Ashish Shelar, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Aditi Tatkare, Pratap Sarnaiak, Union Ministers Ramdas Athawale and Murlidhar Mohol, Japan’s Ambassador Ōno Keiichi, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, along with several MPs, MLAs, and dignitaries.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that the day marked the fulfillment of a long-standing dream. “Projects that once existed only on paper have now become reality under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he remarked. Although the Navi Mumbai Airport was conceptualized in the 1990s, progress stalled for decades. Once it was included under PM Modi’s PRAGATI initiative, necessary approvals were expedited, and the project gained momentum. The airport will be capable of handling 90 million passengers annually, Fadnavis stated.

Alongside the airport, major infrastructure projects like the Atal Setu and the 40-kilometre underground Metro have also been completed at a rapid pace. The Chief Minister acknowledged the significant contribution of the Government of Japan and JICA in the construction of the Metro.

Through the integrated transport app Mumbai One, citizens will soon be able to use a single ticket for Metro, Monorail, Bus, Suburban Rail, and Water Taxi services. Fadnavis also announced new skill development schemes for youth, which will create employment opportunities in aviation and emerging sectors.

He further noted that the Vadhavan Port in Palghar district—gifted by Prime Minister Modi—will be home to the country’s first offshore airport, around which a “Fourth Mumbai” is planned to be developed.
“Prime Minister Modi has been a strong pillar of support for Maharashtra’s development. Under his leadership, the state continues to move steadily on the path of progress,” Fadnavis said.

Navi Mumbai Airport Symbolizes Maharashtra’s Trust in New India – Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that PM Modi brought progress and development to India since 2014, paving the way for a self-reliant and powerful nation. “Navi Mumbai is not merely an airport—it represents Maharashtra’s trust in New India. From here, not just airplanes but a self-reliant India will take flight,” he said.

When PM Modi assumed responsibility for the nation in the 21st century, India had only 74 airports. The number has now doubled to 150, and the Prime Minister aims to expand it to 220 by 2030, Shinde added.

He said it was a matter of pride that PM Modi also inaugurated India’s longest underground metro project. Earlier, he had flagged off the first phase of the Mumbai Metro. The new metro line connecting North and West Mumbai with South Mumbai via underground routes is a milestone in infrastructure development. Within the next few years, all metro lines will be operational, enabling travel across Mumbai in just one hour, he said.

Shinde highlighted that major national infrastructure projects are being established in Maharashtra due to PM Modi’s vision. The state government has announced a ₹32,000 crore relief package for flood-affected farmers, fulfilling a promise made before Diwali. Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, farmers in Maharashtra have already received ₹33,565 crore, he added.

Boost to Trade, Investment, Tourism, and Employment – Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the Navi Mumbai International Airport would provide new momentum to economic growth not only in Maharashtra but across India. “It will open new avenues for trade, investment, tourism, and employment,” he stated.

The inauguration of Metro Line 3 is a major relief for Mumbaikars. The Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ corridor will greatly enhance the city’s daily mobility. The launch of Phase 2B will further improve connectivity. “This underground metro is not only a symbol of modern transport but also represents Mumbai’s place among the world’s leading cities,” Pawar said.

He added that the Mumbai One app reflects the vision of One Mumbai, One App, making travel simpler, smarter, and more efficient for citizens.

Short-term job-oriented training programs have opened new doors of hope for youth. “Through skill development, we are taking a decisive step toward a self-reliant India,” he said.

Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has made remarkable strides over the past 11 years. “We are advancing rapidly toward the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, and Maharashtra will remain at the forefront of this journey,” Pawar affirmed.
“These projects give new wings to the growth of Mumbai—the nation’s financial capital—improving the quality of life and accelerating Maharashtra’s progress,” he concluded.

Navi Mumbai Airport Gives New Momentum to India’s Aviation – Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said, “Navi Mumbai symbolizes new hope and enthusiasm. This world-class airport gives new wings to India’s aviation sector. Today is a proud moment not only for Maharashtra but for the entire nation.”

Since 2014, passenger traffic at Mumbai Airport has increased significantly, and international flights have risen from 190 to 260. The Navi Mumbai Airport, built with an investment of around ₹100 billion over 30,000 acres, will create employment for nearly two lakh youth. “This project stands as a model of successful public-private partnership,” he said.

Affordable Air Travel for Common Citizens – Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol

Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol said that Maharashtra hosts some of the country’s most efficient air services. “The long-awaited and ambitious Navi Mumbai International Airport will make air travel affordable and accessible to the common man. Such projects will lead to a significant rise in air travel among citizens in the coming years,” he remarked.

He added that due to the central government’s robust policies and strong support, numerous development projects in Maharashtra are being successfully completed—an important step toward the nation’s overall progress.