Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that the works of Navi Mumbai International Airport along with Nagpur and Shirdi airports should be completed expeditiously within the given timeline.
He was speaking at a review meeting regarding the construction progress of all airports in the state, held at Sahyadri Guest House. Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol was prominently present at the occasion.
Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that aviation is the fastest-growing sector. It is crucial for both the central and state governments to create necessary infrastructure. As the country moves towards becoming a five trillion economy, this sector holds significant importance. Maharashtra is functioning as the growth engine of the country. The nation and state will need to work on minute details in this sector. Infrastructure expansion will be necessary considering the growing numbers in this sector.
He instructed that night landing facilities should be planned at Solapur and Kolhapur. Shirdi night landing facility should be initiated immediately.
Pending issues of Nagpur and Shirdi airports should be resolved by March 31. A new terminal building should be constructed at Jalgaon, land acquisition process for Purandar airport should be expedited, and the process for establishing Palghar airport should be initiated.
Chief Minister Fadnavis mentioned that Vadhavan Port is a crucial project of the central and state governments. It will be among the world’s top 10 ports. The country’s largest commercial transportation will operate from this location. The bullet train and coastal road will pass through this area. A fourth Mumbai will be developed here. He emphasized the necessity of taking an immediate decision regarding the new airport at Vadhavan.
He noted that the Navi Mumbai International Airport work is progressing well, and modern technology should be utilized to accelerate the work. The airport is 85% complete and will have double the capacity of Mumbai airport.
He directed that efforts should be made to complete work with quality and within prescribed time limits.
The Chief Minister also instructed to resolve issues regarding airports with night landing facilities. He asked to identify reasons for delays in airport works and find solutions to complete works expeditiously.
During the meeting, detailed presentations were made regarding Navi Mumbai and Nagpur International Airports. The review covered various aspects including completed work, time required for remaining work, pending permissions, financial aspects, and land acquisition.
Additionally, a review of all airports in the state was conducted through presentations.
Present at the meeting were Civil Aviation Ministry’s Joint Secretary Rubina Ali, Asangba Chuba Ao, Deputy Director Nayonika Dutta, J.T. Radhakrishna, Regional Executive, Airports Authority of India, Western Region’s Senior Officer Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, CIDCO’s Managing Director Vijay Singhal, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer P. Velarasu, Executive Officer of Navi Mumbai International Airport, Executive Officer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, along with Additional Chief Secretaries, Secretaries from various departments and the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.