Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the implementation of multi-modal connectivity for the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), including the introduction of a pioneering water taxi service, set to make it India’s first international airport with such a facility.
Chairing a key meeting with officials from the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Fadnavis stressed the need for integrated and eco-friendly urban infrastructure. He highlighted CIDCO’s pivotal role in developing Navi Mumbai as a prosperous, sustainable city powered by multimodal transport systems and increased use of solar energy.
The CM stressed that essential aviation facilities at NMIA must be in place from the outset. He suggested prioritising the development of a robust general aviation system, noting that many international private aircraft land in Mumbai. To accommodate this, he insisted on high-quality aircraft parking infrastructure and dedicated aircraft maintenance and repair services.
Fadnavis also called for the timely completion of all road, rail, metro and water transport links to the airport. “Connectivity to the airport must be seamless and completed without delay,” he stated.
CM Fadnavis' Instructions Regarding NAINA Project
In addition, the Chief Minister pushed for faster implementation of the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) project. He instructed that the road widths under this initiative be planned according to projected traffic volumes and that all current and future projects be assigned clear timelines. “With the modern technology available today, infrastructure work delays are unacceptable. Strict timeframes must be included in all tender processes,” he said.
He also turned his attention to housing and urban development, stressing that construction quality must meet high standards and be completed within fixed deadlines. “Affordable housing for citizens should be a top priority and CIDCO must take the lead in ensuring timely delivery,” he stated.
