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The Navi Mumbai airport is poised to become a reality sooner than anticipated, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declaring that the airport will be operational before the March 2025 deadline. This statement was made during an inaugural event at the airport site, where an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft performed a landing, marking a significant milestone in the airport's development. Shinde emphasized the government's commitment to completing projects ahead of schedule, reiterating his confidence in the Navi Mumbai airport's readiness for commercial flights before the originally set date.
The announcement comes as a welcome development, considering the numerous delays that have plagued the airport's construction. The original deadline for the airport's completion was set for December 2019, but this was later pushed to March 2025 under the previous government. While the runway is currently ready for commercial operations, the terminal building is still under construction, with the facade yet to be completed.
Despite the progress, some have expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of meeting the new deadline. Aviation sources have suggested that the March 2025 target may be challenging to achieve, given the ongoing construction work. The Opposition has also criticized the IAF's inaugural flight landing, labeling it as a publicity stunt. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray voiced concerns that the airport was not yet ready for such a demonstration, arguing that the use of IAF aircraft for this purpose was an unnecessary expenditure of public funds.
The Navi Mumbai airport is projected to play a crucial role in alleviating the pressure on the existing Mumbai airport, which handles a significant number of flights daily. With the new airport operational, air traffic congestion is expected to be reduced, potentially leading to improved punctuality and overall passenger experience. The development of the Navi Mumbai airport is also anticipated to boost economic activity in the region, creating new employment opportunities and enhancing the city's connectivity.
The completion of the Navi Mumbai airport marks a significant milestone for the state of Maharashtra. The airport is expected to transform the region's connectivity and contribute to its economic growth. However, challenges remain in ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget, while also addressing the concerns raised by the Opposition regarding the use of public resources.