PM Modi Inaugurates ₹19,650 Cr Navi Mumbai Airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase One of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)—a landmark ₹19,650 crore infrastructure project poised to transform aviation and urban mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The airport is expected to begin commercial operations by December 2025, making Mumbai one of the few global cities—alongside New York, London, and Tokyo—to have more than one international airport.

Project Highlights: Navi Mumbai International Airport

The newly inaugurated airport reflects the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and blends modern design with cultural symbolism. Key features include,

• Cost: ₹19,650 crore
• Design: Lotus-shaped terminal, reflecting Indian heritage
• Timeline: Phase One completed; commercial operations expected by December 2025
• Connectivity: Boosts trade, tourism, and logistics in western India
• Inclusivity: Designed with accessibility and eco-sustainability in mind

During the walkthrough, PM Modi interacted with differently abled children, symbolizing the airport’s commitment to inclusivity and social outreach.

Strategic Importance of the Airport

This mega project serves multiple national priorities,

• Reduces congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA)
• Enhances air cargo efficiency, helping farmers and fishermen export perishable goods
• Drives employment and investment in the Navi Mumbai region
• Strengthens tourism and trade corridors in western India

Supports India’s goal of becoming a global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub by the end of the decade

India’s Aviation Sector: Rapid Growth

In his address, PM Modi highlighted the sector’s remarkable transformation,

• India had only 74 airports in 2014
• Today, the count exceeds 160
• Under the UDAN Yojana, air travel has become more affordable and accessible
• India has emerged as the 3rd-largest domestic aviation market in the world

This growth reflects the government’s push to make aviation a key pillar of economic development and regional connectivity.

Other Key Infrastructure Launches

Alongside the airport, PM Modi also inaugurated several transformative initiatives,

• Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Phase 2B): From Acharya Atre Chowk (Worli) to Cuffe Parade, boosting urban mobility
• Mumbai One App: India’s first integrated mobility platform, linking 11 public transport services under one digital interface

STEP (Short-Term Employability Programme): Launch of 2,500 new training batches in emerging tech fields like,

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• Solar Energy
• Additive Manufacturing (3D printing)

These projects signal a multi-sectoral approach to infrastructure, skill-building, and digital innovation.

Static Facts and Takeaways

• Airport Name: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)
• Inauguration Date: October 8, 2025
• Phase Completed: Phase One
• Project Cost: ₹19,650 crore
• Operational Date: Expected by December 2025
• City Status: Mumbai joins cities like London, New York, Tokyo with two international airports
• Total Airports in India (2025): Over 160 (up from 74 in 2014)