India’s Costliest Airport Project Set to Open — PM Modi to Inaugurate Navi Mumbai International Airport This Week
India’s Costliest Airport Project Set to Open — PM Modi to Inaugurate Navi Mumbai International Airport This Week
India’s aviation landscape is about to witness a major transformation. On October 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) — one of the country’s costliest and most advanced airport projects, built at an estimated cost of ₹1 lakh crore.
The new airport will serve as Mumbai’s second international gateway, easing the heavy congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which handles over 55 million passengers annually.
PM Modi’s Visit and Agenda
According to CIDCO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal, the Prime Minister will arrive at the NMIA site around 2:40 PM and spend nearly two hours inspecting the facilities. His visit will include a walkthrough of the newly built terminal, an overview of key airport systems, and a public address highlighting India’s infrastructure growth and aviation progress.
Senior officials from the Adani Group, CIDCO, and DGCA are expected to be present during the ceremony.
India’s New Mega Aviation Hub
The Navi Mumbai International Airport has been developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) — a joint venture between the Adani Group (74%) and CIDCO (26%).
The first phase alone has been built at a cost of ₹19,647 crore, while the total four-phase project will reach nearly ₹1 lakh crore.
The airport received its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on September 30, clearing it for official operations. Commercial flights are expected to begin by December 2025.
Capacity and Infrastructure Highlights
Spread over 1,160 hectares, the Navi Mumbai airport is designed to handle up to 90 million passengers per year and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo once fully completed.
The first phase includes Terminal 1 and a single operational runway, capable of serving 20 million passengers annually.
Once all terminals are operational, both Mumbai airports — CSMIA and NMIA — will together handle approximately 150 million passengers per year, placing Mumbai among the top 10 aviation hubs globally.
Strategic Connectivity Advantage
The airport’s location in Panvel makes it a central point connecting major industrial and logistics zones in Maharashtra. It is:
- 14 km from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
- 22 km from MIDC Taloja Industrial Area
- 32 km from Thane
- 40 km from Bhiwandi
The project is also set to be India’s first airport with multimodal connectivity, featuring links to:
- Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)
- Suburban railway network
- Metro lines
- National highways
- Dedicated water taxi services
This integrated design will ensure seamless access for passengers and cargo movement, cutting travel time significantly.
Green and Smart Design for the Future
NMIA sets new benchmarks for sustainable airport design. It includes facilities for storing sustainable aviation fuel, solar-powered systems, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient lighting.
An Automated Passenger People Mover (APPM) system will link terminals internally, allowing travelers to move easily between different sections of the airport.
The terminal design also emphasizes natural lighting, green landscaping, and barrier-free access, making it inclusive for all passengers.
Adani’s Vision and Human Effort
Ahead of the inauguration, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani personally reviewed the site and interacted with engineers, safety teams, and workers.
Calling the airport “more than just infrastructure — a monument to the spirit of Bharat, built by its people, for its people,” Adani highlighted the contribution of thousands of workers and engineers who helped bring the massive project to life.
Economic Impact and Future Growth
Once operational, the airport is expected to generate over 2 lakh direct and indirect jobs and boost trade, tourism, and logistics across Maharashtra.
Experts believe NMIA will not only decongest Mumbai’s skies but also position India as a leading player in global aviation.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Inauguration Date: October 8, 2025
- Total Project Cost: ₹1 lakh crore
- Operator: Adani Group (74%) & CIDCO (26%)
- DGCA Licence Granted: September 30, 2025
- Commercial Flights Begin: December 2025 (expected)
- Passenger Capacity: 90 million per year (on completion)
- Cargo Capacity: 3.25 million metric tonnes
- Eco Features: Sustainable fuel storage, solar systems, green terminals
With the Navi Mumbai International Airport set for launch, India is entering a bold new era of modern, sustainable, and globally competitive air travel. The skies above Mumbai are ready for a new takeoff — one that promises speed, comfort, and innovation.
