The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved the construction of the Thane to Navi Mumbai International Airport elevated road at an estimated cost of Rs 6.36 billion. The project will be developed on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and has been designated an ambitious urban project.To support the corridor's implementation and generate revenue, the state will acquire additional land along the alignment for commercial use and will transfer government-owned land beneath the project route to CIDCO at a nominal rate.Connectivity Boost Ahead of Airport OpeningThe decision comes at a pivotal time, as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is expected to be inaugurated by the end of September 2025, with operations projected to begin 45 days later. The elevated corridor is seen as essential for enhancing access to this major greenfield airport, which is poised to transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) into a multi-modal aviation hub.The NMIA will serve as a second airport for the region, alleviating pressure on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and providing a significant economic uplift for surrounding areas including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Goa.Airport Project DetailsWith an investment of nearly Rs 20 billion, the NMIA will include:A single integrated terminal for both domestic and international travelOne runway in Phase 1, with future expansion plansCapacity to handle 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA) initially42 aircraft stands (29 contact, 13 remote)An ultra-fast baggage handling system featuring 360-degree barcode scanningOne of the world’s fastest baggage claim areasFuture provisions for city check-in and luggage-free transfersPolitical Remarks and Project ProgressChief Minister Fadnavis, during a recent visit to the site, remarked that the workforce of 14,000 may be doubled to ensure the project aligns with the Prime Minister’s schedule for inauguration. Though the 30 September target is ambitious, the airport's progress is commendable, he said.Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde termed the project a game-changer for the state's economic future. He highlighted that, once operational, the airport will decongest Mumbai airport and vastly improve connectivity across the region.Additionally, with the completion of the missing link on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, travel time between Pune and Navi Mumbai airport is expected to reduce to under an hour, further enhancing regional accessibility.