SYED BASHARAT
MUMBAI, Oct 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and launched a series of transformative development projects in Mumbai, marking a major milestone in India’s infrastructure and connectivity drive. The Prime Minister also dedicated Mumbai’s first fully underground Metro Line–3, launched the Mumbai One integrated transport app, and unveiled a major skill development initiative, asserting that these projects symbolize the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” — a developed and progressive India.
Welcoming dignitaries and attendees, Modi extended greetings on the recent festivities of Vijayadashami and Kojagari Purnima and conveyed best wishes for Diwali. He said Mumbai’s “long wait is finally over” with the city getting its second international airport, which would play a pivotal role in making the region one of Asia’s biggest connectivity hubs.
A Landmark in Aviation Infrastructure
Built at a cost of ₹19,650 crore, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is India’s largest Greenfield aviation project, developed under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP). Spread over 1,160 hectares, it is designed to handle 90 million passengers annually and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo, easing congestion at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The airport, shaped like a lotus to symbolize culture and prosperity, reflects India’s engineering excellence. Modi said the airport will connect Maharashtra’s farmers and small industries to global markets, allowing exports of fruits, vegetables, and fishery products to Europe and the Middle East at reduced costs. He said it would also attract new investments and industries, creating jobs for thousands of people.
NMIA’s features include solar power generation of 47 MW, dedicated storage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), electric bus connectivity, and it will become India’s first airport connected by Water Taxi. It will also house an Automated People Mover (APM) to link all four terminals, along with a landside APM for city-side connections.
Mumbai Metro’s Underground Leap
The Prime Minister also inaugurated Phase 2B of Mumbai Metro Line–3, from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, completing the 33.5 km-long Aqua Line from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, built at an overall cost exceeding ₹37,270 crore. The fully underground metro includes 27 stations and is expected to carry 13 lakh passengers daily.
Modi hailed the project as a “living symbol of a developing India” and congratulated the engineers for completing the underground network without disturbing heritage buildings. “A journey of two hours will now take only 30 to 40 minutes,” he said, adding that the delay caused by previous governments had deprived citizens of crucial relief and caused massive financial losses.
Integrated Digital Mobility
The Prime Minister also launched ‘Mumbai One’, a unified transport app integrating 11 public transport operators, including Mumbai Metro lines, Monorail, Suburban Railways, and bus services such as BEST, Thane Municipal Transport, and Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport. The app will provide mobile ticketing, real-time updates, multimodal trip planning, and an SOS feature for commuter safety. “This initiative will eliminate queues and make Mumbai’s transport truly seamless,” Modi said.
Empowering India’s Youth
Highlighting India’s demographic strength, Modi launched the Short-Term Employability Program (STEP), a pioneering initiative covering 400 Government ITIs and 150 Technical High Schools in Maharashtra. The program will introduce 2,500 new training batches, including 364 for women and 408 for emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Electric Vehicles, Solar, and Additive Manufacturing.
He also mentioned the ₹60,000 crore PM Setu scheme, connecting ITIs nationwide with industries to provide training in drones, robotics, and green hydrogen. “India’s strength lies in its youth. Every government policy is focused on job creation and skill enhancement,” Modi said.
Aviation Boom Under UDAN
Recounting India’s aviation progress, Modi said that in 2014, India had only 74 airports, which has now increased to over 160. “When I first said people in ‘hawai chappals’ should fly in ‘hawai jahaz’, many doubted it — today, millions have flown for the first time under the UDAN Yojana, fulfilling their dreams,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market, with airlines expanding their fleets and placing orders for hundreds of aircraft. He said the government aims to make India a global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub by the decade’s end, creating new jobs for pilots, engineers, and ground staff.
National Security and Governance
Referring to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Modi said the previous government’s response “projected weakness” and alleged that a former opposition leader revealed India’s forces were stopped from retaliating due to “foreign pressure.” He demanded the opposition clarify who halted the military action. “For our government, nothing is more important than the safety and security of our nation and its citizens,” he said, asserting that India today responds with strength, as seen during Operation Sindoor.
Vision of Viksit Bharat and Swadeshi
Modi said India’s development model combines speed and welfare. “When Vande Bharat trains glide, expressways connect cities, and sea bridges rise across the coasts — that’s the new face of India,” he said. He urged citizens to adopt Swadeshi and support local industries. “Let every home say proudly — This is Swadeshi. When we buy local products, we strengthen our workers and keep India’s wealth within the nation,” he emphasized.
Tribute and Commitment to Maharashtra
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Lokneta D. B. Patil, recalling his service to society and farmers. He reiterated his commitment to Maharashtra’s development, saying, “Maharashtra has always been at the forefront of India’s growth. Our governments at the Centre and in the State will continue to work tirelessly to enhance every town and village.”
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Ministers Ramdas Athawale, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and Murlidhar Mohol, along with Japan’s Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono and other dignitaries.
