MUMBAI- Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi announced Friday that the government will soon start work on a new airport (near Mumbai) near Maharashtra’s Vadhavan Port project, valued at ₹76,220 crore.
He made this announcement at the launch of the State election campaign for the BJP-led alliance in Dhule district.
New Airport in Mumbai
Modi stated that the airport project had been initially requested by former Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis.
The Prime Minister assured that work would begin as soon as the election code of conduct is lifted. The Centre will soon engage with the Maharashtra government to finalize project details.
The Vadhavan Port, approved by the Union Cabinet in June 2024, is slated to become India’s largest port. Located in the Palghar district, it will be a deep-draft, all-weather greenfield major port designed to boost economic activity and enhance trade in the region.
The Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), will oversee the port’s development. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) holds a 74% stake, while the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) owns the remaining 26%.
In his speech, Modi highlighted the Union and State governments’ commitment to large-scale infrastructure projects. He criticized opposition parties for allegedly obstructing development initiatives and emphasized his administration’s focus on strengthening India’s infrastructure.
During a separate rally in Nashik, PM Modi addressed the concerns of onion farmers, noting that the government had revised export policies to meet farmers’ demands.
Navi Mumbai Airport
The Indian Air Force (IAF) Airbus C295 made its first-ever landing on Navi Mumbai International Airport’s Southern Runway (RY08/26) at 12:15 PM IST, marking a significant milestone for the new airport.
The event, witnessed by officials from NMIAL and CIDCO, symbolizes a new operational phase for Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is India’s first multi-modal airport, interconnected by multiple transportation networks. This landing underscored the airport’s readiness to support diverse air operations as part of its growing infrastructure.
The C295, a medium-range tactical transport aircraft manufactured by Airbus in Spain, is designed to meet the IAF’s transport needs. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will produce an additional 40 C295 aircraft at its Vadodara facility, enhancing India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
In addition to the C295 landing, an IAF Sukhoi SU-30MKI—a Russian-designed, HAL-built multirole fighter—performed a low flypast over the airport, showcasing its maneuverability and speed.
The airport is scheduled to start its operation by April 2024.
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