In the lead-up to the high-profile event, officials have ramped up beautification efforts and security preparations across Ulwe and its nearby areas, with roads being resurfaced, public spaces cleaned, and tight surveillance measures put in place
The airport will be secured by 1,840 CISF personnel, with AI-powered surveillance, biometric screening, and Digi Yatra contactless check-ins in place.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on October 8, marking a significant milestone in India’s aviation landscape. In anticipation of the high-profile visit, authorities have launched an intensive beautification and security drive across Ulwe and the surrounding areas.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is located approximately 37 kilometres from South Mumbai.
The state government has announced that the new airport on the outskirts of Mumbai will be named ‘Loknete DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport’.
Beautification and last-minute works in full swing
In Ulwe, roads are being resurfaced, illegal encroachments cleared, and public spaces cleaned up. On October 4, the asphalt work was underway near the NMIA entrance and service roads. Teams of labourers worked tirelessly under the afternoon sun to meet a tight two-day deadline.
"We were asked to complete the patching and dambar work urgently due to the PM’s visit. Normally, this takes longer, but now everything must look clean and perfect," said Ramesh Gupta, a road worker supervising the repairs.
Security measures on high alert
The airport will be secured by 1,840 CISF personnel, with AI-powered surveillance, biometric screening, and Digi Yatra contactless check-ins in place. A comprehensive disaster management framework is also being implemented, ensuring preparedness for emergencies in the face of rising global aviation threats.
Commercial operations to begin in December
While the inauguration is set for October 8, commercial flight operations are expected to commence in the first week of December. Officials cite ongoing operational trials and final finishing work as the reason for the delay.
NMIA is expected to ease congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and offer a seamless, tech-driven travel experience, establishing itself as a world-class aviation hub.
Targhar Station: NMIA’s suburban rail link nearing completion
Just across the road from NMIA, the Targhar Railway Station is in the final stages of construction. Developed by CIDCO at a cost of Rs 112 crore, the station is envisioned as a multi-modal suburban transit hub with:
● Three island platforms and two end platforms
● Wave-shaped roof inspired by the nearby creek
● Shuttle connectivity to the airport
● Integrated retail spaces and commuter facilities
● Multi-level parking and drop-off zones
While trains currently do not halt at Targhar, Central Railway officials confirm that the station will be operational in the coming months.
NMIA by numbers: A snapshot
Passenger capacity:
In Phases I and II, Terminal 1 will be constructed with a built-up area of 2 lakh 34,000 square metres, capable of handling 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA).
This terminal will cater to both domestic and international travellers.
Future phases by 2032:
● Terminal 2: +30 MPPA (In Phase III, Terminal 2 will be added, with a significantly larger area of 400,000 square metres and a capacity of 30 MPPA. With this addition, the cumulative capacity of the airport will rise to 50 MPPA.
● Terminal 3: +20 MPPA (Phase IV will see the development of Terminal 3, which is projected to add another 20 MPPA to the airport’s capacity. The total cumulative capacity will then reach 70 MPPA. The exact area of this terminal is yet to be confirmed (TBC), but it will also serve both domestic and international passengers.)
● Terminal 4: +20 MPPA (Finally, in Phase V, Terminal 4 will be developed with an additional capacity of 20 MPPA, bringing the total cumulative passenger handling capacity of NMIA to 90 MPPA. Like Terminal 3, the area of Terminal 4 is still TBC.)
● Total capacity: 90 MPPA (All terminals, across all phases, are designed to handle both domestic and international operations, ensuring seamless and scalable expansion to meet future demand.)
Terminal 1 at Navi Mumbai International Airport is designed with modern passenger handling facilities to ensure smooth and efficient operations. The terminal will feature 66 check-in counters, facilitating faster processing and reduced wait times for travellers. Additionally, 22 self-baggage drop units will be available, offering passengers a convenient and time-saving option to check in their luggage independently.
Runway infrastructure
Two parallel runways designed for high traffic
Capable of handling up to 45 air traffic movements (ATMs) per hour
Enables simultaneous take-offs and landings
Twin-airport model: CSMIA + NMIA
NMIA and Mumbai’s CSMIA will operate as a twin-airport system, with the Navi Mumbai Airport set to decongest air traffic and expand connectivity across India and abroad.
Terminal 1: Design and technology highlights
● Architecture inspired by the lotus flower: Spanning a total project area of 1,160 hectares or approximately 2,866 acres, the airport’s design takes inspiration from the lotus, India’s national flower
● Emphasis on natural lighting and green, sustainable features
● Self-check-in kiosks with biometric authentication
● Automated baggage handling systems
● Smart security lanes and automatic boarding gates
● Expansive lounges and flexible gate allocation
Multi-modal connectivity
NMIA is designed to be India’s most connected airport, with integrated access via:
● Metro lines (including planned Mumbai Metro links)
● Harbour line suburban rail stations
● Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL)
● Water transport hubs for coastal last-mile connectivity
Cargo and general aviation capabilities
Cargo handling
● Cargo capacity of 0.5 million metric tonnes per annum
● Infrastructure supports e-commerce, pharma, perishables, and international freight
● India’s largest general aviation terminal
Dedicated GA (General Aviation) terminal with premium amenities
For aircraft infrastructure, the airport includes 245 passenger aircraft stands in its final phase, 7 cargo aircraft stands, 79 general aviation (GA) stands, and 16 GA hangars, ensuring robust support for both commercial and cargo operations.
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The Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a major leap in India's airport infrastructure, combining sustainability, technology, and scale. As it prepares to welcome passengers by the end of 2025, the project is already reshaping the economic and urban landscape of Navi Mumbai and beyond.
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