January 13, 2026: The Maharashtra government has initiated a fresh evaluation of Virar as a possible location for Mumbai’s proposed third airport, widening the scope beyond the earlier focus on Palghar. The project is envisaged as the next major aviation gateway after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport, aimed at addressing the region’s long-term air traffic growth.
State officials have indicated that a comparative assessment of Virar and Palghar is underway to determine which site best supports future connectivity, logistics integration and regional development. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said last week that the government has commissioned expert studies before taking a final call on the location.
Speaking at a public rally in Nalasopara ahead of the civic elections, Fadnavis said the evaluation would examine both Virar and Palghar through the lens of long-term planning and infrastructure synergy. He outlined that a Virar-based airport could be directly connected to the proposed Vadhavan Port through the Coastal Road network, potentially streamlining passenger and cargo movement. In contrast, a Palghar airport would strengthen connectivity between Vasai-Virar, the airport site and the port, creating an alternative logistics spine.
Officials say the underlying priority is seamless integration between transport assets, including roads, ports, rail and aviation infrastructure, to support economic expansion in the northern Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The Chief Minister is understood to be keen on accelerating the project’s timelines, especially since the proposal has already received approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Beyond aviation capacity, the state views the project as part of a broader strategy to develop what officials describe as a “third Mumbai” spanning Palghar and the Vasai-Virar belt. This envisioned urban and economic zone would be anchored by large infrastructure investments, including an international port, a new airport and the proposed bullet train corridor.
Planners note that such a coordinated approach could help decongest Mumbai’s existing hubs while directing growth towards relatively underdeveloped regions. The final decision on the airport site is expected after the completion of technical, environmental and connectivity studies, which will shape the region’s infrastructure roadmap for decades to come.
Source: Swarajya
