"Navi Mumbai International Airport Anticipates Commercial Launch in December 2024"

The first terminal building of Navi Mumbai International Airport is nearing completion, with the outer structure almost ready. A partially demolished hill behind the under-construction building is expected to be flattened by mid-January, according to executives from Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL). The airport company is optimistic that this development will pave the way for the first commercial take-off by December next year.

"We are ahead of schedule on the airfield, with only a small hill remaining to be cleared," said an NMIAL spokesperson. The airfield, including the runway, taxiway, and apron, is 60% complete, and the runway is at 70%.

The joint effort by MIAL (Mumbai International Airport Ltd) and Cidco (City and Industrial Development Corporation) for the hill's demolition is progressing. The spokesperson expects Cidco's part of the demolition to be completed by mid-January, overcoming earlier delays.

NMIAL is a joint venture, with MIAL holding 74% and the rest owned by Cidco. Despite concerns raised by Capa India in November about potential delays, NMIAL remains confident in meeting the December 2024 timeline for the commencement of commercial operations. The airport aims to cater to 20 million passengers in the initial phase.

Work on other aspects of the project is underway, with discussions with airlines to start operations and positive responses, including interest in the second phase. NMIAL is investing close to Rs 17,000 crore in the initial phase, with plans to start work on financial closure for the next phase post-completion of the first.

Connectivity remains a crucial aspect, and while the Mumbai Trans-harbour link is expected to start operations soon, work on the Ulwe Coastal Road connecting MTHL to the Navi Mumbai Airport is yet to commence. The airport company clarified that delays in infrastructure projects would not hamper connectivity but acknowledged it would not be ideal.

The Navi Mumbai Airport was conceived to decongest Mumbai's sole international airport, with the capacity expected to peak at 60 million passengers. In the initial phase, Navi airport aims to serve 12 million passengers in the first year of operations.

The airport is gearing up for DGCA inspections from September onwards and plans to commence operations in the winter schedule of 2024. While the Mumbai International Airport's second terminal is known for its peacock-themed interiors and an art collection, the Navi airport may differ with a lotus-themed interior, more space for private jets, a higher fee for parking for fossil-fuel-based vehicles, and a focus on digital art."

BS