MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced that the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport will be officially named Loknete DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport, fulfilling a decades-long demand of residents from Navi Mumbai and adjoining regions.
The announcement came after a high-level review meeting held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. Fadnavis confirmed that the Maharashtra Cabinet and both Houses of the State Legislature have already approved the proposal to name the airport after the late Loknete Dinkar Balu Patil, a prominent leader known for his efforts in championing farmers’ rights and regional development.
“The proposal has been placed before Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has given a positive response,” Fadnavis said, describing the move as a “moment of justice” that honours the sentiments of the people and acknowledges Patil’s legacy in shaping Navi Mumbai’s growth story.
Centre Reviewing Naming Policy
Fadnavis informed that the Central Government is currently framing a comprehensive policy for naming major infrastructure projects, including airports. Once the framework is finalised, the Centre will grant official approval based on the State Government’s endorsed proposal.
Protest Cases to Be Withdrawn
In a major relief to local residents, Fadnavis also announced that all pending police cases filed during protestsdemanding the airport be named after Loknete DB Patil will be withdrawn. He added that the government will also withdraw COVID-19–period protest cases through legal procedures, ensuring that affected youth are not deprived of job opportunities due to past records.
Other Airport Renaming Approvals Coming Soon
The Chief Minister further confirmed that two other airports in the state are set for renaming — the Pune Airport will be named after Jagadguru Sant Tukaram, and the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport will be named in honour of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Both proposals are awaiting final clearances.
Leaders Welcome Decision
Friday’s meeting was attended by Minister Ganesh Naik, MLAs Ravindra Chavan, Mandatai Mhatre, Mahesh Baldi, Prashant Thakur, and Vikrant Patil, among others. The announcement was met with widespread appreciation from local leaders and activists, who hailed it as a historic acknowledgment of Loknete DB Patil’s enduring role in Navi Mumbai’s development and the empowerment of its people.
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