The inauguration of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has been postponed by several weeks. It was previously scheduled for September 30, but due to heavy rains across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and the Konkan area, it will now take place in October. Here’s more on this.
Inauguration Postponed For Navi Mumbai International Airport
The much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport will become the second international airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the airport’s Phase 1 was originally scheduled to be inaugurated on September 30. However, heavy rains across Mumbai and Konkan area has forced officials to push the date forward.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to inaugurate the airport. But as per Maharashtra’s Chief Minister’s Office, loose soil and muck have collected on the roads leading to Ulwe, where the airport is located. This makes access difficult for visitors. Two days ago, the PM’s office informed the state government that PM Modi will not be coming on September 30.
Inauguration Now Likely In October
As per the same report, the inauguration will now happen in October. PM Modi is set to inaugurate not just NMIA but also the final phase of the Mumbai Metro 3 line in the coming month. This much-awaited line will connect Worli to Cuffe Parade, and its inauguration too has been postponed.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed in a public-private partnership led by Adani Airports. Preparations for its operational launch are still underway. On Tuesday, Air India announced plans to begin commercial operations from the new airport, following similar announcements by IndiGo and Akasa Air.
The airport is being built in five phases. NMIA will initially handle 20 million passengers and 500,000 metric tonnes of cargo annually. Once fully completed, it will have the capacity to manage 90 million passengers and 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo per year! In addition to that, this new airport will come with several smart features. It will have a fast baggage system, automated check-in kiosks, and a modern aesthetic look.
Now, we are all waiting for the official announcement of the new date for the inauguration of this new airport!
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied