July 21, 2025: In a major push to enhance regional connectivity, the Maharashtra government is advancing plans for the Vadhavan offshore airport, with preliminary groundwork expected to begin by 2026. Set to become the third key airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) after the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Vadhavan project represents a significant infrastructural leap. The airport is being developed with a projected investment of Rs 76,220 crore and was first unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. It has now moved a step forward with the commissioning of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Strategically located in the Palghar district, Vadhavan is also the designated site for India’s largest planned deep-sea port. The port project, currently undergoing land reclamation, is being executed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL)—a joint venture between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board. The state envisions the new airport as a natural extension of the seaport, creating a seamless, multimodal logistics ecosystem aimed at decongesting Mumbai and strengthening coastal infrastructure.
The necessity for a third airport arises from the increasing strain on existing facilities. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport operates with a single runway and is nearing saturation. While the Navi Mumbai airport will offer some respite, projections suggest that air traffic growth will quickly outstrip capacity. The Vadhavan offshore airport is positioned as a forward-thinking solution to decentralise air traffic and stimulate economic growth.
Currently in the pre-feasibility phase, the project will undergo extensive technical and environmental assessments. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed optimism, noting that the ongoing port development provides a strong foundation for a project of this scale. Once realised, the Vadhavan offshore airport could transform Maharashtra into a powerhouse of integrated logistics and transport.
Source: Travel World Online
