In a bid to develop infrastructure wisely, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar today proposed a third airport in Mumbai. He has also proposed nighttime operations at Shirdi Airport as part of the Maharashtra Budget 2025-26.
Third Airport for Mumbai
As air traffic needs grow, the state government has exercised the option of a third one for Mumbai near the Vadhavan port in the Palghar district.
Mumbai’s foremost airport- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), and the work-in-progress Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), will be at full capacity within the next couple of years.
The new airport aims to boost Mumbai’s connectivity, which is tipped to leap from $140 billion to $300 billion. Connectivity for the passengers would be ensured by linking the proposed airport with major transportation networks, including metro lines.
Night Landing Facility at Shirdi Airport
The government announced that for pilgrims and tourists, Shirdi Airport soon will be equipped with programmed night land facilities. This would mean additional slots available after- in flight operations enduring till beyond dark, with convenience for pilgrims coming to the famous Shirdi Sai Baba temple.
The state has earmarked an amount of ₹150 crore toward making Shirdi Airport user-friendly. It entails an extension of the runway from 2,500 meters to 3,200 meters. It has also made an arrangement of a separate terminal to handle the cargo operations.
These modifications aim to provide for the landing of bigger aircraft. It also allow an upgradation in the capacity of the airport to receive more flights, thus providing better regional connectivity.
Other than the aviation sector, the Maharashtra government has indicated many infrastructure developments in the state:
- Construction of new roads would be 1,500 km. The intention is to improve transport across the state and minimizing traveling time.
- A proposed metro link connecting CSMIA and NMIA has been planned. It is to ensure smooth transit between the two airports and improve urban mobility.
- The proposed infrastructure projects would be beneficial for economic growth. They will create jobs for construction and operation of the third airport.
As outlined in the key points of Maharashtra’s Budget 2025-26; better facilities for Shirdi Airport, especially the night landing facility, are likely to attract more tourists. It will also contribute to the local economy and hospitality sector. Better road network and metro connectivity would enable smooth movement of goods and people, which would increase investment and promote regional development.
Maharashtra government’s emphasis on infrastructure development is a clear. It is a reference to its larger vision of making it a global economic hub-a move. It is expected to improve the quality of life of residents. It will promote the state as an even bigger investment and tourist destination.
The government’s call for a third airport in Mumbai and night-landing facilities in Shirdi Airport are all great steps toward enhancing connectivity in support of economic growth. It also addresses the changing nature of the needs of residents and visitors.
It is anticipated that these projects will greatly shape the future of the transport sectors in Maharashtra.
