September 3, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and key stretches of Mumbai’s expanding metro network on October 8 and 9, coinciding with his participation in the International Fintech Festival in the city.
A major highlight of the visit will be the commissioning of the final 6.5-kilometre stretch of the Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ Metro-3 corridor, linking Acharya Atre Road with Cuffe Parade. With this, the entire 33.5-kilometre underground line will become fully operational. The Prime Minister had earlier inaugurated the Aarey–BKC section in October 2024, followed by the BKC–Acharya Atre Road segment in May 2025. In addition, he will launch the first phase of Metro Line-2B, connecting Mandale with Chembur (Diamond Garden), further strengthening east–west mobility in Mumbai.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state government has recommended naming NMIA after social activist D. B. Patil, a proposal which has reportedly received a favourable response from the Centre. He also urged the transfer of 58 acres of Airports Authority of India land in Dahisar (East) to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for civic development.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed as a greenfield project through a joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (74% stake) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) with a 26% share. The first phase will cater to 20 million passengers annually and handle 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo. Once fully completed, its capacity is expected to rise to 90 million passengers and 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo.
Air India Express will be the first airline to operate from NMIA, with 20 daily flights to 15 destinations during Phase 1. The airline plans to expand operations to 55 daily departures by mid-2026, including international routes, with 60 departures projected by the winter season of 2026.
Source: Construction World
