Prime minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport and also launched and dedicated various developmental projects here on Wednesday. 

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is India’s largest Greenfield airport project, developed under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP). As the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, NMIA will work in tandem with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to ease congestion and elevate Mumbai into the league of global multi-airport systems. The airport, designed to be among the most efficient in the world with 1160 Ha area, will eventually handle 90 million passengers annually (MPPA) and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo.

Among its unique offerings is an Automated People Mover (APM), a transit system planned to connect all four passenger terminals for smooth inter-terminal transfers, as well as a landside APM linking the city-side infrastructure. In line with sustainable practices, the airport will feature dedicated storage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), solar power generation of approximately 47 MW, and EV bus services for public connectivity across the city. NMIA will also be the first airport in the country to be connected by Water Taxi.

Underscoring that Mumbai’s long wait has ended with the city now receiving its second international airport, the PM highlighted that this airport will play a major role in establishing the region as one of Asia’s largest connectivity hubs. He also remarked that Mumbai has now received a fully underground metro, which will make travel easier and save time for commuters. Modi described the underground metro as a living symbol of a developing India and noted that in a bustling city like Mumbai, this remarkable metro has been constructed underground while preserving historic buildings. He extended his congratulations to the workers and engineers involved in the project.

Underlining that India offers countless opportunities for its youth, the PM highlighted the recent launch of the ₹60,000 crore PM Setu scheme aimed at linking numerous ITIs across the country with industry. He noted that starting today, the Maharashtra government has introduced new programs in hundreds of ITIs and technical schools. Through these initiatives, Shri Modi said, students will receive training in emerging technologies such as drones, robotics, electric vehicles, solar energy, and green hydrogen. He extended his best wishes to the youth of Maharashtra.

Modi paid tribute to Maharashtra’s son, Lokneta D. B. Patil, recalling his dedicated service to society and farmers. He remarked that Patil’s spirit of service is an inspiration to all, and his life will continue to motivate those working in public life.

“Today, the entire nation is committed to fulfilling the resolve of a Viksit Bharat—an India defined by both speed and progress, where public welfare is paramount and government schemes simplify citizens’ lives,” he emphasised, remarking that over the past eleven years, this spirit has guided development efforts across every corner of the country. The PM highlighted that when Vande Bharat semi high-speed trains run on the tracks, when bullet train projects gain momentum, when wide highways and expressways connect new cities, when long tunnels are carved through mountains, and when tall sea bridges link distant shores, India’s speed and progress become visible. He affirmed that such advancements give new wings to the aspirations of India’s youth.

Modi stated that today’s event continues the momentum of India’s development journey. He highlighted that the Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project that reflects the vision of a developed India. Built on the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the airport is shaped like a lotus flower, symbolizing culture and prosperity. The Prime Minister remarked that this new airport will connect Maharashtra’s farmers to supermarkets in Europe and the Middle East, enabling fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, and fishery products to reach global markets swiftly. He noted that the airport will reduce export costs for nearby small and medium industries, boost investment, and lead to the establishment of new enterprises. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Maharashtra and Mumbai for the new airport.

Underlining that when there is a resolve to fulfill dreams and a strong will to deliver rapid development to citizens, results are inevitable, the PM highlighted that India’s aviation sector stands as a major testament to this progress. Recalling his 2014 address upon assuming office, he reiterated his vision that even those wearing hawaii chappals should be able to travel by air. To realize this dream, it was essential to build new airports across the country. He affirmed that the government took this mission seriously and, over the past eleven years, new airports have been constructed one after another. In 2014, India had only 74 airports; today, the number has crossed 160.

He stated that the construction of airports in smaller cities has provided residents with new options for air travel. To address financial constraints, the government launched the UDAN scheme, aimed at making air tickets affordable for the common citizen. He highlighted that over the past decade, millions of people have flown for the first time under this scheme, fulfilling their long-held dreams.

Emphasising that the construction of new airports and the UDAN scheme have provided convenience to citizens, Shri Modi highlighted that India has now become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. He remarked that Indian airlines are continuously expanding and placing orders for hundreds of new aircraft. This growth is creating new opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground workers.

Pointing out that as the number of aircraft increases, the demand for maintenance and repair operations also rises, the PM highlighted that India is developing new facilities domestically to meet this need. He affirmed that the goal is to establish India as a major MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) hub by the end of this decade. He noted that this initiative is also creating numerous new employment opportunities for India’s youth.

“India is the youngest country in the world, and its strength lies in its youth,” exclaimed the PM, emphasising that every government policy is focused on creating maximum employment opportunities for young people. He remarked that increased investment in infrastructure leads to job creation, citing the ₹76,000 crore Vadhavan Port project as an example. He added that when trade expands and the logistics sector gains momentum, employment is generated.

Modi affirmed that India is nurtured in values where national policy forms the basis of politics. For the government, every rupee spent on infrastructure is a means to enhance citizens’ convenience and capability. He contrasted this with a political stream in the country that prioritizes power over public welfare. He stated that such individuals obstruct development work and derail projects through scams and corruption, and that the nation has witnessed such misgovernance for decades.

Noting that the metro line inaugurated today serves as a reminder of the actions of certain previous administrations, Modi recalled participating in its foundation stone ceremony, which had raised hopes among lakhs of Mumbai families for reduced hardships. However, he remarked that a subsequent government halted the project, causing the nation a loss of thousands of crores and prolonged inconvenience for several years. The PM highlighted that with the completion of this metro line, a journey of two to two-and-a-half hours will now take only 30 to 40 minutes.