December 11, 2025: With the Navi Mumbai International Airport set to open in just 15 days, a mid-day inspection of its approach roads has exposed a serious safety gap. An 800-metre stretch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport Road, on the Panvel side, has no functioning street lighting—and in some portions, no lighting infrastructure at all.
The dark patch begins after motorists exit Amra Marg, the Sion–Panvel Highway (NH 348A), and take the first major left onto the dedicated airport road. This route runs along the airport boundary and is expected to see heavy use once flight operations begin. While some sections under the Sion–Panvel Highway do have bulbs installed, locals say they were illuminated only on the day of the airport’s inauguration ceremony and have remained switched off ever since.
Commuters say the situation turns hazardous after sunset. Auto driver Pawan Singh, who uses the stretch daily, said, “Truck drivers often can’t see who is ahead of them when it gets dark. Our headlights are not strong enough to light up the entire road.” He added, “Once the airport starts full operations, traffic here will increase. Many people also walk along this road to catch rickshaws, which will make it even more dangerous.”
Vada pav stall owner Sudesh More, who works under the bridge with his wife, echoed the concern. “The lights worked only on the day of the inauguration. After that, we have been in complete darkness. We work here every day, and even we feel unsafe,” he said. His wife, Nanda More, added, “Once it gets dark, truck drivers stop nearby and start drinking. It becomes very unsafe for everyone. Walking here alone in the evening is not something one should even consider.”
With heavy truck movement and no illumination, locals say the risk to pedestrians and motorists is severe. CIDCO was contacted regarding the lighting installation but had not responded by press time.
Source: Mid-day
