In a major development, Navi Mumbai is on track to have its own international airport to cater to the growing air traffic demands. The airport, situated in the heart of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region at Ulwe in Navi Mumbai, will be constructed and operated by Adani Airports, a leading airport operator in India.
With a focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, the airport aims to become a global benchmark for green aviation practices.
The ambitious project will be implemented in four phases, with the first two phases scheduled for completion by December 2024. Spanning across a sprawling 1,160-hectare area, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) promises to offer state-of-the-art facilities and services.
Notably, the terminal’s design draws inspiration from India’s national flower, the lotus, adding a touch of cultural symbolism to the architectural aesthetics.
To ensure an eco-friendly operation, the airport plans to incorporate various sustainable measures. All vehicles operating within the premises will be electric, and ample charging stations will be installed throughout the airport.
Additionally, the majority of the electricity consumed will be generated from solar power, generated on-site, further reducing the carbon footprint.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, recently visited the project site to review the progress.
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Emphasizing its significance for Maharashtra and the nation as a whole, the Chief Minister highlighted that the new airport would alleviate the burden on the existing Mumbai airport, thus enhancing overall air connectivity in the region.
Despite encountering challenges such as towering hills and the diversion of the Ulwe river, the project team remains determined to overcome these obstacles.
Charudatta Deshmukh, Joint President – Planning and Design of NMIA Project, acknowledged the difficulties faced during the development but assured that necessary measures have been taken to address them effectively.
Once operational, the new Navi Mumbai airport, located less than 40 km away from Mumbai’s existing airport, will serve as a vital transportation hub. Additionally, it will be seamlessly connected to the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL), a 22-km road network, further enhancing accessibility and connectivity between the airport and the metropolis.
In summary, Navi Mumbai’s forthcoming international airport is making significant strides towards completion, with expectations of opening its doors to passengers in 2024. The airport’s commitment to sustainability, along with its strategic location and modern infrastructure, is set to boost the region’s air travel industry.
