Key road to Navi Mumbai airport found unlit just 15 days before opening

Another view of the dark approach road leading to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur

With only 15 days left for the Navi Mumbai International Airport to begin operations and welcome flyers from across the country, a mid-day walkthrough of the access routes revealed a major safety lapse. An 800-metre stretch on the road officially named Navi Mumbai International Airport Road, towards Panvel, has no street light infrastructure at all.

Approach road left in dark

The unlit section begins after motorists exit Amra Marg, also known as the Sion Panvel Highway (NH 348A), and take the first proper left onto the Navi Mumbai International Airport Road. This road runs along the boundary of the airport and leads towards Panvel.

The unlit stretch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport Road near Panvel, where street lights have not worked since the airport inauguration

While part of the road suffers from the absence of street light poles, another stretch beneath the Sion Panvel Highway does have bulbs installed. According to locals, these were put up around the time of the airport's inauguration ceremony, but have not been switched on since the day after the event.

Locals raise safety concerns

Auto driver Pawan Singh says the pitch-black airport road is dangerous once the sun sets. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur

Auto drivers and pedestrians who use the road say the stretch becomes extremely unsafe after sunset. Pawan Singh, an auto driver who plies the route daily, said, "Truck drivers often can't see who is ahead of them when it gets dark. Our headlights are not strong enough to light up the entire road." He added, "Once the airport starts full operations, traffic here will increase. Many people also walk along this road to catch rickshaws, which will make it even more dangerous."

Worked on inauguration day

Sudesh More, who runs a vada pav and tea stall under the bridge along with his wife, said the area has been neglected. "The lights worked only on the day of the inauguration. After that, we have been in complete darkness. We work here every day, and even we feel unsafe," he said.

‘Unsafe for everyone'

Sudesh and Nanda More at their tea and vada pav stall under the bridge, where they say the unlit stretch feels unsafe

His wife, Nanda More, said the atmosphere changes drastically after dusk. "Once it gets dark, truck drivers stop nearby and start drinking. It becomes very unsafe for everyone. Walking here alone in the evening is not something one should even consider," she said.

The area witnesses heavy truck movement, increasing the risk for pedestrians and light vehicle users. The Mores, who have operated their stall for over two years, said they never stay after 7 pm because of the unsafe conditions once darkness sets in.

Authority speaks

mid-day contacted the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to inquire about the installation of street lights, but did not receive a response by press time.

800 mts
Length of the unlit road