PM Narendra Modi marked a big step for Mumbai by opening the first phase of the new Navi Mumbai International Airport. The 19,650‑crore project aims to link Maharashtra’s farmers with markets in the Middle East and Europe, said the prime minister, calling the airport a clear sign of a “Viksit Bharat” – an India that’s growing, efficient and citizen‑focused.
Mumbai now has two international airports, and the new hub will help the city become a leading connectivity centre in Asia. Modi also highlighted the launch of the city’s first fully underground metro line – a modern addition that promises faster, easier commutes for millions of residents.
India’s aviation sector has exploded in the past decade. In 2014 the country had 74 airports; today it runs more than 160. The UDAN Yojana has made air travel affordable, letting many Indians fly for the first time. By adding high‑capacity airports, Modi said India is moving closer to being the world’s third‑largest domestic aviation market.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is the country’s largest greenfield airport venture, built with a public‑private partnership. It covers 1,160 hectares and is designed to handle about 90 million passengers and 3.25 million tonnes of cargo each year. The airport will feature an automated people mover that links all terminals, a landside connector, and a dedicated storage area for sustainable aviation fuel. Solar panels will generate roughly 47 MW and electric buses will serve the city, furthering the airport’s green credentials. It will also be the first Indian airport to offer a water‑taxi service.
While touring the new airport, Modi also turned the key on Phase 2B of Mumbai’s Metro Line‑3, a 12,200‑crore extension that runs from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade. The upgraded subway line is set to reduce travel time and improve access to key business districts.
Beyond transport, Modi underlined investment as a driver of jobs. He pointed to projects like the ₹76,000‑crore Vaadavan port, which will boost the economy and create thousands of employment opportunities. He stressed that India’s youthful population is a strength, and that the government’s focus on job‑creation policies is aimed at harnessing this demographic advantage.
With the new airport and metro line, Mumbai is cementing its status as a global hub of growth and opportunity. The projects not only ease travel but also open up markets for farmers and businesses alike, pushing India further toward its vision of a developed, inclusive nation.
Source: aninews
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