Navi Mumbai International Airport’s airside construction ‘completed’: Officials

The announcement was made in a detailed project review meeting held on Friday, presided over by CIDCO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal. The meeting, organised to determine the operational preparedness of the new airport, had participation from senior officials from CIDCO, Adani Group, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and NMIAL.

“CIDCO, being the planning authority in charge of the greenfield project, is carefully following the progress to meet the deadlines. Singhal underlined the fact that all departments are acting in synergy to achieve deadlines and not have delays prior to the scheduled inauguration,” a CIDCO official said.

With airside construction over, attention is now turned towards terminal buildings and landside access. Testing for Operation Readiness and Transfer (ORAT) is on to provide for trouble-free operation upon commencement. Many airlines have already made applications for take-off and landing slots, and the DGCA will be finalising allocation shortly.

CIDCO is also liaising with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other authorities to hasten road connectivity to the airport. Officials were instructed to see that all landside access facilities are in place well ahead of operations.

NMIA is being constructed in phases and is designed for in take 20 million passengers per annum in Phase I, ultimately being increased to a capacity of 90 million passengers and 3.2 million tonnes of freight per annum. The initial phase will comprise a Code F-compliant runway, parallel taxiways, one passenger terminal (T1), freight terminals, and other ancillary infrastructure.

“We hold fortnightly review sessions to keep every aspect of the project on schedule,” added the official.

NMIA is envisioned as a revolutionary project that will decongest Mumbai’s existing airport and serve as a major aviation hub for western India. Spread over 1,160 hectares, the greenfield airport is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating rainwater harvesting, solar power, and eco-friendly construction.

Once operational, it is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity, trade, tourism, and economic development across Maharashtra.