Navi Mumbai Airport Inaugurated: A New Era in Aviation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) today, marking a significant advancement in India's aviation infrastructure. This Rs 19,650 crore project aims to alleviate congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and position Mumbai as a global multi-airport hub.

The NMIA, developed under a Public-Private Partnership model, spans 1,160 hectares and is designed to handle up to 90 million passengers and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. The airport features four terminals, two parallel runways, and a dedicated VVIP terminal planned for completion by 2030. The terminal's design, inspired by the lotus flower and created by Zaha Hadid Architects, showcases Maharashtra's rich culture through various art installations.

Passengers can expect a seamless travel experience with 66 check-in counters and 22 self-baggage drop points. The airport is fully DigiYatra-enabled, allowing for paperless transactions and digital boarding passes. An app will facilitate food orders and real-time travel updates. Additionally, NMIA will be the first airport in India connected by a water taxi service.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Mumbai Metro Line-3, which will connect South Mumbai to the suburbs, enhancing public transport options. The new metro line is expected to serve around 13 lakh passengers daily and will integrate with various transport systems to ease congestion.

As part of the launch, PM Modi introduced the "Mumbai One" app, which consolidates 11 public transport services into a single platform, improving connectivity across the city. Domestic flights from NMIA will commence soon, with international operations expected to start by December. The airport is set to redefine the travel experience in India, promising modern facilities and efficient services for all passengers.