-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, officially inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), marking a major milestone in India’s aviation and infrastructure development. Constructed at a cost of Rs 19,650 crore, the new facility is India’s largest greenfield airport project and is designed to serve as the second international airport for the vast Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Spread over 1,160 hectares, the airport is expected to significantly enhance India’s total aviation capacity and critically alleviate the severe traffic congestion currently faced by Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The project was successfully developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. Prior to the formal inauguration, the Prime Minister conducted a detailed walkthrough of the newly constructed facility.
The event was part of a larger, multi-project development launch in Mumbai. Alongside the airport, PM Modi also dedicated the entire Rs 37,270 crore Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) to the nation, signifying a major transformation in the city’s urban transport system. Specifically, he inaugurated Phase 2B of the line, which stretches from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade and was completed at a cost of Rs 12,200 crore.
Further expanding digital infrastructure, the Prime Minister launched the Mumbai One app, designed to offer commuters a suite of benefits, including integrated mobile ticketing across various public transport operators.
In a move aimed at enhancing employability across the state, PM Modi also inaugurated the Short-Term Employability Program (STEP). This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation in Maharashtra, will be rolled out across 400 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 150 Government Technical High Schools. The STEP program represents a crucial step in aligning skill development programs with the specific requirements of modern industries.
