Navi Mumbai International Airport Set for September LaunchMinister Uday Samant Says 95% of Work Complete; Phase 1 to Start with Limited CapacityDate: 08 July 2025 | Source: Hindustan TimesThe long-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to begin operations in September 2025, according to Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant. Although initially slated for an end-of-August launch, the project has faced minor delays, pushing the opening into the following month.“About 95 per cent of construction is complete. The first phase will become operational within the next two months, beginning with limited capacity,” Samant informed the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly during a debate on state investments. The airport’s second phase will follow a few months later.Maharashtra Tops in MoU ImplementationSamant also reported strong progress on investment MoUs, claiming Maharashtra has the highest realisation rate in India, with 87 per cent of signed agreements implemented.Over the past three years, the state has signed MoUs worth:4. Rs 1.80 trillion (Rs 1.80 lakh crore)5. Rs 7 trillion (Rs 7 lakh crore)6. Rs 15.72 trillion (Rs 15.72 lakh crore)Of the 46 companies that signed MoUs:7. 15 firms have received land allotments8. 7 more will receive land shortly9. 20 await plots based on specific requests10. 4 industrial units are already set to begin operationsIndustrial Growth in Regions like GadchiroliSamant highlighted the state's focus on equitable industrial development, noting that Gadchiroli is emerging as a steel production hub, with investments of Rs 1 trillion (Rs 1 lakh crore).He credited the CM Employment Guarantee Scheme for the establishment of 62,000+ industrial units, stating this was six times higher than during the previous government’s tenure.FDI and Vishwakarma Scheme LeadershipUnder the leadership of CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Samant said Maharashtra continues to lead in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and ranks among the top three states in implementing the Centre’s Vishwakarma Scheme for artisans and skilled tradespeople.BMC’s Financial Health AddressedResponding to concerns about the financial liabilities of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Samant revealed that liabilities have grown to Rs 2.32 trillion (Rs 2.32 lakh crore), marking a 22 per cent rise over the past year. However, he dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement, attributing the increase to ongoing infrastructural commitments.Reported by: Surendra P. GanganPublished by: Hindustan Times