Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the country's proposed first offshore airport after inspecting the project site in Palghar. During his visit on Sunday, the chief minister also reviewed the progress of several major infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor, the proposed Vadhavan Port, the Naringi Creek Bridge, and the Uttan–Virar Sea Link. He said these projects are expected to transform Palghar into a major economic and logistics hub for the state.

The proposed offshore airport is planned as a multi-modal transport hub with seamless connectivity to the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train, the Uttan–Virar Sea Link, the Mumbai–Vadodara Expressway, and the Mumbai–Ahmedabad National Highway. According to the state government, the airport will significantly improve cargo movement to Vadhavan and Murmbe ports while easing the growing passenger traffic burden on Mumbai's existing airport. Officials believe the integrated transport network will strengthen both domestic and international connectivity in the region.

During the review meeting, the chief minister also assessed the progress of the proposed Vadhavan Port at Chinchani Beach. Discussions covered key issues such as internal road connectivity, forest clearances, rail and power infrastructure, water supply, land acquisition, skill development, and compensation for fishermen affected by the project. The greenfield port is being developed over nearly 1,448 hectares at an estimated cost of ₹76,220 crore and is designed to accommodate some of the world's largest cargo vessels with a 20-metre-deep draft.

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The state government said the upcoming port is expected to have nearly three times the cargo handling capacity of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), positioning it among the world's top ten ports. Once operational, the project is projected to generate nearly 10 lakh employment opportunities across various sectors while strengthening India's maritime trade infrastructure. The development is also expected to boost industrial growth and attract significant investments to the Palghar region.

In a post on X, Fadnavis described the offshore airport, Vadhavan Port, Bullet Train project, Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, Uttan–Virar Sea Link, Naringi Creek Bridge, and the Virar–Alibaug Corridor as interconnected projects that will collectively shape what he called the "Fourth Mumbai." According to the chief minister, these infrastructure initiatives will create a new economic centre of gravity in Palghar, supporting long-term urban expansion, logistics, manufacturing, and commercial development.

The official review also highlighted the importance of the Naringi Creek Bridge, which is expected to provide direct connectivity between Vasai-Virar and the towns of Saphale, Palghar, and Boisar, reducing travel distance by around 40 kilometres and cutting travel time by approximately 45 minutes. Meanwhile, the proposed six-lane Uttan–Virar Sea Link, estimated to cost about ₹58,754 crore, will directly connect with the Mumbai–Ahmedabad National Highway, improving travel between South Mumbai and Ahmedabad while enhancing regional connectivity across Maharashtra.

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