Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a colossal Rs 19,650 crore greenfield project poised to redefine air travel in the bustling Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Spanning an expansive 1,160 hectares, the state-of-the-art facility promises to alleviate the crippling congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which handles over 50 million passengers annually but often grapples with delays and capacity strains. Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Modi personally toured the gleaming terminals, airside operations, and eco-friendly features, underscoring the government's commitment to sustainable infrastructure.
Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with Adani Airports Holdings Limited as the lead developer, NMIA stands as India's largest such venture, marking the second international gateway for the Mumbai region. Phase one operations are slated to commence by late 2025, with the airport designed to eventually accommodate up to 90 million passengers per year across four phases. Equipped with cutting-edge technology like automated baggage handling, advanced security systems, and solar-powered runways, it aligns with India's goal of becoming a global aviation hub. Experts predict it will generate over 20,000 direct jobs and stimulate economic growth in Navi Mumbai's satellite cities, from real estate booms to enhanced tourism.
The celebrations didn't stop at the tarmac. Modi also flagged off Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line), a Rs 12,200 crore underground marvel stretching 12.4 km from Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli to Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai. This segment connects key business districts, reducing commute times by up to 70% and easing road traffic that chokes the city's arteries daily. In a sweeping dedication, the PM handed over the entire 33.5 km Line 3 to the nation at a total cost of Rs 37,270 crore—the single largest investment in urban transport in Mumbai's history. Featuring driverless trains and air-conditioned coaches, the line will ferry 1.3 million passengers daily once fully operational, slashing carbon emissions by an estimated 200,000 tonnes annually.
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To supercharge commuter convenience, Modi launched the Mumbai One app, a digital powerhouse integrating ticketing for metro, buses, trains, and ferries in one seamless platform. Users can now book rides, track real-time arrivals, and access loyalty rewards, aiming to digitize Mumbai's fragmented transport ecosystem and cut down on paper tickets. "This app is more than a tool—it's a ticket to a smarter, greener Mumbai," Modi remarked during his address, highlighting how technology can bridge the gap between rapid urbanization and efficient mobility.
Rounding out the day's transformative agenda, the Prime Minister kicked off the Short-Term Employability Program (STEP) under Maharashtra's Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. Targeting 400 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 150 Government Technical High Schools, STEP offers hands-on courses in high-demand fields like AI, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. With an initial outlay of Rs 500 crore, the initiative seeks to skill 5 lakh youth over three years, directly addressing the employability gap where 80% of graduates lack industry-ready skills. Partnerships with giants like Tata and Reliance ensure curriculum relevance, promising to propel Maharashtra's workforce into the future economy.
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