By Shreyanka Nandan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on 8th October, marking a major milestone for Maharashtra’s infrastructure and connectivity. The airport, built as one of India’s most advanced and sustainable aviation hubs, is expected to significantly benefit Pune and the surrounding regions, both economically and logistically.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol called the inauguration a “historic moment not just for Mumbai, but for the entire western Maharashtra region.” He said Pune residents would now be able to reach the new airport in about two and a half to three hours, making international travel more convenient.
Mohol explained that NMIA’s state-of-the-art cargo terminal is capable of handling 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. It would boost exports from Pune’s automobile, electronics, pharma, and agro-processing industries. “Reduced cargo time will lower export costs and open new opportunities for industries in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Baramati,” he said.
Developed through a public-private partnership between Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), NMIA is being positioned as a model for sustainable development. The airport features 47 megawatts of solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of electric vehicles within its premises.
Mohol added that the airport will also help shape a new industrial corridor between Mumbai and Pune, drawing more investments, jobs, and global connectivity to the region. “For the people of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and nearby districts, this airport is truly a global gateway to growth,” he said, highlighting its potential to transform the local economy and enhance the region’s role in international trade and tourism.