PM Modi Inaugurates Navi Mumbai International Airport, A New Era for Indian Aviation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation and infrastructure growth. Developed at a cost of Rs 19,650 crore, the airport is expected to ease air traffic congestion in Mumbai and significantly boost the nation’s connectivity and capacity.
A Landmark for Mumbai’s Infrastructure
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “Mumbai’s long wait for better travel facilities has finally ended.” He described the inauguration as a historic moment for the city, adding that the new airport and underground metro will transform travel and connectivity in Mumbai. “Viksit Bharat envisages ‘gati aur pragati’, speed and progress,” he said.
The inauguration of Phase 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport and other connectivity projects will strengthen the city's position as a global hub of growth and opportunity. https://t.co/lYUzp3noBX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2025
The Prime Minister also toured the airport’s terminal and reviewed its state-of-the-art facilities before the official ceremony. Built over 1,160 hectares, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is India’s largest greenfield airport project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Once fully operational, it will handle up to 90 million passengers and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.
Symbol of India’s Aspirations
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, shared his thoughts on social media, calling the inauguration “a defining milestone in India’s aviation journey.” He wrote, “From blueprints to skylines, from dreams to runways, today India soars higher. Together, we have built more than an airport, we have built a symbol of Bharat’s aspirations.” Adani also expressed gratitude to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, and all officials, engineers, and workers involved in the project.
The airport’s architecture draws inspiration from the lotus, India’s national flower, blending traditional design with modern technology and sustainability. The design reflects a fusion of cultural heritage and global standards.
The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated our airport today. The Navi Mumbai International Airport one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects and a defining milestone in the nation's aviation journey.
— Navi Mumbai International Airport (@navimumairport) October 8, 2025
Inspired by the lotus, India's national… pic.twitter.com/490CzcKdTU
Boosting Connectivity and Urban Mobility
Alongside the airport, PM Modi also inaugurated Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3, connecting Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade. Built at a cost of Rs 12,200 crore, the full Aqua Line (worth Rs 37,270 crore) is Mumbai’s first fully underground metro and is expected to serve 13 lakh passengers daily.
To make city travel smoother, the Prime Minister also launched the Mumbai One app, which allows integrated mobile ticketing across buses, metros, and trains, enhancing digital and seamless connectivity.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport, developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (comprising MIAL with 74% and CIDCO with 26%), recently received its Aerodrome Licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on September 30.
As the second international airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, NMIA is set to play a vital role in India’s aviation expansion and contribute to PM Modi’s vision of making India a global MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) hub by the end of the decade.
