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The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has carried out a top-level review of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) project, which has indicated that the long-awaited airport is set to meet its planned opening in June 2025. The meeting, presided over by CIDCO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singh, had senior representatives of all key stakeholders, including Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, Larsen & Toubro, and the Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL).
Key Highlights
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Operational Readiness: The survey was on the operational readiness of the airport and emphasized getting done airside, landside, and terminal infrastructures prior to the beginning of commercial operations. The construction on the airside, i.e., the runway and taxiway, is fully completed.
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Regulatory Clearances: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already published the required Airport Information Publication (AIP), and Aerodrome License inspections are in progress. Security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is also going on without any expected delays.
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ORAT Trials: Routine Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials are being undertaken to maintain synchronization between different agencies and also to conduct a trial run of all airport infrastructure and logistics prior to opening.
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Connectivity and Access: CIDCO is in close coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for early completion of approach roads and landside access facilities, which will be pivotal for free movement of passengers and cargo.
Airline slot allocation: Many airlines have already applied for slots for flights, and the DGCA will complete these allocations soon.
Phased Development: NMIA is developed in phases. Phase 1 will handle 20 million passengers and 0.8 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a Code-F compliant runway, double parallel taxiways, Terminal 1, and specialized cargo terminals. The airport is finally intended to serve up to 90 million passengers and 3.2 million tonnes of cargo per annum.
Stakeholder Statements
CIDCO officials expressed their determination to adhere to project schedules through fortnightly review meetings held on a regular basis. Adani Group, the concessionaire of the airport, promised that all concerned stakeholders are making all efforts to deliver deadlines and prepare the airport for its inaugural phase.
"All departments are functioning in harmony to complete deadlines and not have any delay before the planned inauguration," said a CIDCO official.
Broader Impact
Once operational, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to significantly decongest Mumbai’s existing airport and serve as a major aviation hub for western India. The project, spread over 1,160 hectares, incorporates sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting, solar power, and eco-friendly construction practices.
Sources: Economic Times, Indian Express, Deccan Herald, Mid-Day
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