Maharashtra Government has approved the creation of 177 new posts under the Traffic Department for the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The decision marks a crucial milestone in the state’s preparedness for operationalising one of India’s largest greenfield airport projects.
According to senior Home Department officials, 175 of the newly sanctioned posts will be permanent, while two will be filled through an external manpower agency. The government resolution was recently issued after approval from a high-level committee of secretaries chaired by the Chief Secretary. The move entails an estimated annual recurring expenditure of ₹6.22 crore and a one-time cost of ₹1.32 crore, both of which will be drawn from the sanctioned budget of the respective financial year. The newly created positions include 3 Police Inspectors, 4 Assistant Police Inspectors, 8 Police Sub-Inspectors, 6 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 40 Head Constables, and 114 Constables. In addition, two sanitation workers will be recruited through an external agency to support operational efficiency and cleanliness around the traffic division at the airport precinct.
Officials said the reinforcement of personnel is intended to ensure seamless traffic regulation, enhanced public safety, and robust policing once the airport becomes functional. The new force will be responsible for managing vehicular movement across the airport complex, ensuring orderly flow during peak hours, and coordinating emergency responses. The move follows an earlier approval of 108 posts for the upcoming airport police station, signalling that the Navi Mumbai Police are preparing for an extensive jurisdictional expansion to accommodate the new infrastructure. The strategic focus on traffic management comes as planners anticipate heavy vehicular inflow from major approach routes connecting the airport to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), Sion-Panvel Highway, and upcoming coastal roads.
Experts in urban mobility and transport infrastructure have welcomed the decision, highlighting that proactive manpower planning can significantly reduce long-term congestion and enhance the overall commuter experience. They note that integrating smart surveillance, real-time traffic monitoring, and sustainable transport systems could make NMIA a benchmark in green airport mobility. The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to feature four passenger terminals, two runways, a dedicated cargo hub, truck terminal, airline offices, and commercial amenities including hotels, banks, and retail spaces. Authorities forecast a surge in passenger and cargo movement once the airport becomes operational, making efficient traffic management a critical component of its success.
As Maharashtra positions NMIA as a model of modern infrastructure and sustainable mobility, the creation of a robust traffic policing structure underscores the government’s focus on safety, discipline, and long-term urban resilience around one of India’s most ambitious aviation projects.
Also Read: Mumbai Railway Stations To Get Permanent Passenger Holding Areas Before 2026 Festive Season
