Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to ensure robust, multi-modal connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The directive aims to create India’s first international airport equipped with a seamless transport system spanning road, rail, metro and, notably, water taxi access. At a high-level review meeting on major development projects, including the airport being developed by CIDCO, the Chief Minister underscored the need for a sustainable, integrated transport ecosystem that prioritises citizens’ convenience, environmental responsibility and long-term urban resilience.
The planned connectivity will bridge the airport with metro stations, rail networks, arterial highways, and the waterfront—making the airport uniquely accessible through various modes of green transport. “This will be the first international airport in the country to offer water taxi access, transforming the way people commute and enhancing Mumbai’s global image as a forward-looking metropolis,” said Fadnavis. The CM’s instructions included timely completion of all transport infrastructure to avoid project delays and cost overruns, with a particular emphasis on using modern technology and setting strict timelines in tenders for public works. “With the technology available today, delays are no longer excusable. CIDCO must ensure all projects meet deadlines without compromising quality,” he said.
Fadnavis also called on CIDCO to focus on transit-oriented urban design, ensure high-quality affordable housing under current schemes, and accelerate efforts on the Kharghar Valley Golf Course and sports infrastructure development. He reiterated that infrastructure should serve not just as a public utility, but also as a catalyst for employment and economic opportunity in the region. The Navi Mumbai International Airport is envisaged as a cornerstone in the state’s long-term urban vision, not only easing congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport but also stimulating development in Navi Mumbai’s adjoining regions. To that end, the Chief Minister urged CIDCO to expedite the implementation of the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) plan. Roads under NAINA, he noted, must be designed for future traffic volumes, reflecting a proactive approach to urban mobility.
He also highlighted the importance of general aviation services at the airport—catering to private aircraft, offering aircraft repair and parking facilities, and integrating auxiliary services that elevate the airport’s functionality and commercial viability. Fadnavis’s vision aligns with India’s broader urban development goals—creating smart, low-emission cities with efficient transport, equitable housing, and inclusive infrastructure. As Navi Mumbai stands at the cusp of transformation, CIDCO’s role will be pivotal in translating these ambitions into a liveable, sustainable urban future. With plans for multimodal access, solar energy integration, and citizen-centric planning, the Navi Mumbai International Airport could soon emerge as a model for next-generation airport cities in India.
Navi Mumbai Airport to Lead in Mobility
