Geetha Ajit Pillai, Chief General Manager of Transport and Airport at the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), has emerged as a pivotal force behind Navi Mumbai’s transformative infrastructure growth. Recognized for her leadership and strategic vision, she has overseen landmark projects ranging from the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to the Ulwe Coastal Road, Turbhe-Kharghar Link Road, Mumbai-NMIA Metro, Navi Mumbai Metro Line-1, Aero City, and Edu City.
In an exclusive conversation with Newsband editor Prajakta Chavan Rane, Pillai detailed her journey, challenges, and vision for creating a more connected and inclusive urban transport system.
“I joined CIDCO as a Junior Transportation Engineer when Navi Mumbai was still developing. New nodes like Kharghar, Ulwe, and Kamothe were in the planning stage, which allowed me to contribute significantly to transport and road network planning. Around the same time, CIDCO was actively working on the Navi Mumbai International Airport project. Being part of such a large and unique project was a remarkable opportunity,” Pillai shared. She added that planning the airport—from a single-runway concept to a major international airport with two parallel runways—was a significant leap from urban planning to aviation design.
Asked about gender challenges, Pillai said, “Honestly, I did not face any major challenges because of my gender. The role itself is demanding due to the scale of the projects, but professionally, I have always received respect and support from colleagues and management.”
She also highlighted project hurdles: “Large projects like the airport involve multiple connected developments. One of the biggest challenges is land acquisition and rehabilitation. Environmental clearances are another major hurdle, especially in sensitive coastal ecosystems.”
On women’s safety in public transport, she noted the importance of lighting and CCTV monitoring, adding, “Such initiatives can significantly enhance the safety of women commuters.”
Reflecting on India’s gender equality, Pillai said, “Urban regions in states like Maharashtra and Kerala have made progress, but overall change requires a shift in social attitudes.” She concluded with advice to young women: “Stay focused on your ambitions, work hard, and build the confidence to pursue your dreams despite challenges.”
Source: Newsband
