Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is 94 percent complete, and that the government has set September 30 as the target date for launch of commercial operations. The ambitious Rs 16,700-crore project, years in the making, is being billed as India’s most modern airport, equipped with next-gen tech, green energy, and world-class infrastructure.
Most modern airport in India and aiming for world’s fastest baggage claim
Inspecting the NMIA site along with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Fadnavis, as reported by PTI that major construction, especially the runway and terminal, is nearly done, and only interior and façade work remains.
“We saw the baggage-handling system, which is the most efficient… the barcode of the baggage can be read 360 degrees. We have asked the authorities that the baggage claim system in this airport should be the fastest not only in the country but in the entire world,” the CM said.
The runway is ready, and terminal interiors are currently being finished. Outer ceiling and façade work are being fast-tracked. 13,000–14,000 workers are deployed daily, and Fadnavis said the labour force will be doubled to meet the September 30 deadline.
Targeting a September 30 launch, pending PM’s nod
“This will be the most modern airport in the country... As we have to seek the appointment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (for the project launch), we have set the target of September 30 before them. It is an ambitious target,” Fadnavis added, as reported by PTI.
He said commercial licences are being processed in parallel, and the final launch will depend on the PM’s availability. However, authorities have been told to complete all work by September-end to ensure readiness.
Massive capacity, green power, and AI-powered systems
The Navi Mumbai airport will eventually be equipped with two runways and a capacity to handle 90 million passengers annually, making it larger than Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Fadnavis said the new airport would be entirely powered by 37 MW of green energy, with electric and alternative fuel vehicles, and will actively promote sustainable aviation fuel.
“This airport has many features. It is a green airport... This airport will be a big centre where green fuel will be used on a large scale,” he said.
Seamless connectivity: air, road, rail, water
The CM also unveiled plans for multi-modal connectivity to NMIA:
Underground mobility, zero walking, traffic-free terminals
The second phase will include a metro-style underground train to move passengers across terminals.
“Nobody will have to walk, and it will also prevent vehicles from creating traffic jams... The bay will be within 500 meters and travelators will be provided for passengers,” Fadnavis said.
The NMIA is being built by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), a 74:26 joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Ltd and CIDCO. PM Modi laid the foundation stone in February 2018 to ease pressure on Mumbai’s current airport and cater to the country’s booming air travel demand.
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