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Ajit Pawar deflects question on naming Navi Mumbai airport, says operations will only begin after 45 days

Ajit Pawar said the state government has sought aid from the Centre for flood-hit farmers in the state. He also urged beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana to complete the KYC formalities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated phase one of the NMIA, which includes Terminal 1 and Runway 1 with 10 bus gates and 29 aero bridges, on Wednesday.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said on Friday that flight operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will only begin after 45 days, as some work is yet to be completed.

“Let the operations of NMIA first start. The state government, as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are aware that it will take 45 more days for take-offs and landings at the airport,” Pawar said in Pune, when asked whom the airport would be named after.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated phase one of the NMIA, which includes Terminal 1 and Runway 1 with 10 bus gates and 29 aero bridges, on Wednesday.

Pawar said that the NMIA has a capacity to handle 9 crore passengers, adding that a new airport was needed as there was a heavy load on the existing international airport in Mumbai.

The state government has also urged the Union civil aviation minister to develop an airport near Vadhvan in Palghar district, as the seaport is being developed there, so an international airport will also be required, Pawar said, adding that it takes four to five years to develop an airport, and the same amount of time would be required for the seaport.

Pawar, who is also the state finance minister, said that it was necessary for every beneficiary of the government’s flagship scheme for women, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, to complete the KYC formalities. If people are facing technical issues, the deadline would be extended, he added.

The Maharashtra government had made e-KYC mandatory for beneficiaries of the scheme amid reports that nearly 26.34 lakh ineligible beneficiaries had received the monthly allowance.

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Pawar also spoke about the Rs 32,000 crore package announced by the government for flood-affected farmers, saying that efforts were being made to ensure that the farmers get the compensation before Diwali. “We have also approached the Union government for providing financial assistance to farmers who lost their crops in the recent floods. We are hopeful of getting the funds as early as possible,” Pawar said.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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