As Navi Mumbai Airport nears its operational phase, the discussion around a third airport in Mumbai is gaining momentum. Deputy CM Fadnavis’s proposal for an airport in Palghar, supported by CM Shinde, highlights the growing need for expanded aviation infrastructure to support the city’s future growth. With substantial developments on the horizon, Palghar could soon emerge as a pivotal hub in Mumbai’s evolving infrastructure landscape.
Proposal and Need
Speaking at a foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Vadhvan port, Fadnavis suggested that the new airport be built on reclaimed land in Palghar, near the proposed Vadhvan port. He emphasized that many airports around the world are successfully constructed on reclaimed land and argued that Mumbai would benefit greatly from this additional infrastructure. The proposal received support from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who backed Fadnavis’s recommendation during the event.
The idea of a third airport for Mumbai is not new; it has been under consideration for some time due to the heavy traffic at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, one of the busiest in India. The previous Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, under then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, had also explored this possibility. At that time, the state administration was considering locations such as Kelva-Mahim or Dapchari, both in Palghar district, for a domestic airport.
Palghar: A Potential Hub for Future Infrastructure
Palghar district, located approximately 97 kilometers from Mumbai, is increasingly being seen as a strategic location for future infrastructure development. Stretching from Vasai-Virar to Dahanu and sharing a border with Gujarat, Palghar is poised to undergo significant changes in the coming years. The proposed airport, along with other developments like the Vadhvan port, could position Palghar as a key player in the region’s growth.
Navi Mumbai Airport Set for March 2025 Launch
As efforts intensify to make Navi Mumbai Airport operational by March 2025, significant progress is being made on the ground. Recent reports indicate that the airport will conduct its first trial aircraft landing on October 31, a crucial milestone in its journey towards full operational readiness. This follows the installation and commissioning of the Instrument Landing System (ILS), a critical component that ensures safe landings and takeoffs. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) initiated ILS testing last month, but adverse weather and persistent rainfall caused delays. Testing is scheduled to resume on August 12, with further steps planned once the pathway is calibrated and the final report submitted.
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