Navi Mumbai Airport to Honour D. B. Patil
After years of public demonstrations and political debates, Maharashtra’s Forest Minister Ganesh Naik confirmed that the Navi Mumbai International Airport will officially be named after D. B. Patil. The long-standing demand of project-affected persons (PAPs) has finally been acknowledged, bringing closure to one of the most debated naming disputes in the state. The airport is set to commence operations on April 17, 2025, with commercial flights expected to begin in May 2025.
The announcement was made at a public gathering in Vashi, where Atul Patil, son of D. B. Patil, urged authorities to honour his father’s contributions by naming the airport after him. Minister Naik assured the public that the name would be officially implemented once commercial operations commence. The naming dispute dates back to June 2022, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government had initially proposed naming the airport after D. B. Patil. However, political transitions and ongoing deliberations led to delays. The subsequent Mahayuti government, led by Eknath Shinde, upheld the decision and passed a resolution supporting the name. The resolution was then forwarded to the Central Government, but with no official response, the action committee escalated the matter to higher authorities.
Meanwhile, PAPs continued their protests, opposing earlier suggestions to name the airport after Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. The Agri-Koli community, which played a pivotal role in the struggle, remained firm in their demand, citing D. B. Patil’s legacy as a leader of land rights movements. D. B. Patil, a former Member of Parliament and activist, led several protests against land acquisition in Navi Mumbai during the 1970s and 1980s. Under his leadership, farmers and landowners resisted large-scale government projects that threatened their livelihoods. His advocacy for PAP rights and fair compensation made him a revered figure among the region’s displaced communities.
Over the years, several large-scale demonstrations were organised to ensure his legacy was recognised, culminating in the final decision to name the airport in his honour. With this confirmation, the state government aims to pacify aggrieved landowners and reinforce its commitment to addressing PAP concerns. Additionally, Minister Naik also addressed concerns about land regularisation and freehold status for LIG and MIG landowners, stating that he would raise the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. PAPs have long sought uniform pricing and expanded land rights, and this remains a crucial area for policy discussions. With the airport nearing completion, this decision marks a historic moment for the local communities who fought for recognition and justice. As commercial operations are set to begin in May 2025, the Navi Mumbai International Airport will stand as a tribute to D. B. Patil’s enduring legacy.
