In a significant administrative move to enhance security and traffic management at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Maharashtra Government has sanctioned 175 permanent posts under the Traffic Department, along with two additional posts to be filled through an external manpower agency, bringing the total to 177 posts, according to an official resolution.

The Home Department issued the Government Resolution (GR) on Wednesday, following approval from a high-level committee of secretaries chaired by the Chief Secretary. The measure will involve an annual recurring expenditure of Rs 62.2 million and a non-recurring cost of Rs 13.2 million, which will be met through the sanctioned budget of the respective financial year.

The newly approved positions comprise three Police Inspectors, four Assistant Police Inspectors, eight Police Sub-Inspectors, six Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 40 Head Constables, and 114 Police Constables. Additionally, two sanitation worker posts will be appointed through an external agency.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Tirupati Kakade, the additional manpower will significantly strengthen the force’s ability to manage traffic flow, maintain order, and ensure robust security within and around the airport precinct. “The new appointments will enhance the police’s operational capacity and efficiency once the airport becomes functional,” he said.

Earlier, the state had approved 108 staff positions for the Airport Police Station, and with this new sanction, the Navi Mumbai Police are now well-prepared to expand their jurisdiction and operational readiness ahead of the airport’s commissioning.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport, one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, will feature four passenger terminals, two runways, a cargo hub, truck terminal, airline offices, banks, hotels, shopping complexes, and several key government facilities, including defence and meteorological units.

Authorities anticipate a sharp increase in passenger traffic, cargo movement, and commercial activity in the surrounding areas once the facility becomes operational, making robust security and traffic control systems crucial to its smooth functioning.