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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

NMIA set for commercial take-off on December 25

Long-term expansion plans take shape Mumbai: Even as long-term expansion plans gather momentum, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is preparing to mark a defining milestone with the commencement of commercial operations from December 25, 2025. Sources familiar with the development confirmed that the first flight is scheduled to land at NMIA at around 8.30 am from Bengaluru, operated by IndiGo. The same aircraft will subsequently depart for Delhi, symbolically placing the greenfield...

NMIA set for commercial take-off on December 25

Long-term expansion plans take shape Mumbai: Even as long-term expansion plans gather momentum, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is preparing to mark a defining milestone with the commencement of commercial operations from December 25, 2025. Sources familiar with the development confirmed that the first flight is scheduled to land at NMIA at around 8.30 am from Bengaluru, operated by IndiGo. The same aircraft will subsequently depart for Delhi, symbolically placing the greenfield airport on India’s aviation map and formally integrating it into the country’s busiest air corridors. This operational launch comes at a time when the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the project’s nodal planning authority, has initiated the process to appoint a consultant for conducting a geotechnical feasibility study for a proposed third runway at NMIA. The parallel movement of near-term operational readiness and long-term capacity planning underlines the strategic importance of the airport, not just as a secondary facility to Mumbai, but as a future aviation hub in its own right. The December 25 launch date carries significance beyond symbolism. NMIA has been envisioned for over two decades as a critical solution to the capacity constraints at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which operates close to saturation. With limited scope for further expansion at Mumbai’s existing airport, NMIA’s entry into operations is expected to ease congestion, rationalise flight schedules and improve overall passenger experience across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Modest Operations Initial operations are expected to be modest, focusing on select domestic routes, with Bengaluru and Delhi being logical starting points given their high passenger volumes and strong business connectivity with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Aviation experts note that starting with trunk routes allows operators and airport systems to stabilise operations, fine-tune processes and gradually scale up capacity. IndiGo’s choice as the first operator also reflects the airline’s dominant market share and its strategy of early-mover advantage at new airports. While NMIA’s first phase includes two runways, the initiation of a geotechnical feasibility study for a third runway highlights planners’ expectations of robust long-term demand. CIDCO’s move to appoint a consultant at this early stage suggests that authorities are keen to future-proof the airport, learning from the capacity limitations faced by CSMIA. A third runway, if found technically and environmentally feasible, would significantly enhance NMIA’s ability to handle peak-hour traffic, support parallel operations and attract international long-haul flights over time. The feasibility study will play a critical role in determining soil conditions, land stability, construction challenges and environmental sensitivities, particularly given Navi Mumbai’s complex terrain and proximity to mangroves and water bodies. Experts point out that such studies are essential to avoid cost overruns and execution delays, which have historically plagued large infrastructure projects in the region. From an economic perspective, the operationalisation of NMIA is expected to act as a catalyst for growth across Navi Mumbai and adjoining regions. Improved air connectivity is likely to boost commercial real estate, logistics parks, hospitality and tourism, while also strengthening the case for ancillary infrastructure such as metro lines, road corridors and airport-linked business districts. The timing of the airport’s opening also aligns with broader infrastructure upgrades underway in the MMR, including new highways and rail connectivity, which could amplify NMIA’s impact. However, challenges remain. Smooth coordination between airlines, ground handling agencies, security forces and air traffic control will be critical during the initial phase. Any operational hiccups could affect public perception of the new airport, making the first few weeks crucial. Additionally, the transition of flights from CSMIA to NMIA will need careful calibration to ensure passenger convenience and airline viability. As NMIA prepares to welcome its first aircraft on December 25, the simultaneous push towards planning a third runway signals a clear message: the airport is not just opening for today’s needs, but is being positioned to serve the region’s aviation demands for decades to come.

Forensic Facial Reconstruction: Bridging Science and Identity

Reconstructing faces, uncovering identities, and solving mysteries through a fusion of science, technology, and art.

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Forensic Facial Reconstruction (FFR) is a process that aims to recover the morphology of a face at the moment before death by observing the cranium. It’s a recognition system that allows direct examinations for primary styles of personal identification. It is a combination of science, technology, and artistry that is essential in forensic investigations, archaeology, and medicine. Whether recovering a victim's identity, rebuilding ancient faces, or assisting in medical treatments, this field evolves advanced technology, providing hope and solutions in different fields.


Facial reconstruction has a lengthy history stretching back to ancient civilisations. Early pioneers of contemporary plastic surgery were Sushruta, Al-Bucasis, and Gaspare Tagliacozzi. Surgical techniques evolved greatly over the 18th and 19th centuries, with Joseph Carpue completing the first major rhinoplasty treatment in the Western world in 1814. Wilhelm His performed the first craniofacial surgery. In the early 1900s, in 1895, surgical technology and procedures advanced quickly in the middle of the 20th century. The care of troops with serious face injuries during World War I prompted advancements in surgical procedures, which in turn led the way in the modern age of facial reconstruction. Cutting-edge techniques like skin grafts and flap operations were invented by surgeons like Sir Harold Gillies. More accurate reconstructions are now possible thanks to the field's integration of several technologies.


The use of facial reconstruction helped law enforcement create a composite sketch that led to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. Artificial intelligence has converted forensic facial reconstruction by automating and improving the procedure. Machine literacy algorithms estimate bone structures to predict face traits more quickly and directly. Likewise, it was designed to anticipate surgical results, thus enhancing preoperative planning and case care. Technologies like Augmented reality (AR), IDEMIA, and INTERPOL’s biometric pattern created an automated software tool that analyses facial features and outlines using cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, digital sculpting, CT scanning, MRI integration, deep literacy, neural networks and stoked reality technology. AI also plays an important part in age progression and regression analysis, which helps in long-term missing person instances. Furthermore, AI-powered systems aid in recreating faces from fragmented remnants or damaged characteristics. Violent crimes resulting in significant face injuries necessitate sophisticated facial reconstruction therapies, as demonstrated in the January 2025 gang-related attack and star Saif Ali Khan's home incident, when facial recognition identified the perpetrator. Other prominent cases included Sheena Bora's 2012 case, where 2D facial reconstruction was used. In 2023, officials employed face reconstruction to identify a rotting body at Worli Sea Face. Another noteworthy case is Ram Lochan Ahir v. State of West Bengal, in which the court affirmed the trustworthiness of using a superimposed skull to prove identification. King Richard III's facial reconstruction is one of the most well-known examples of forensic facial approximation in 2012.


Facial reconstruction stands at the forefront of forensic science, bridging the gap between skeletal remains and identifiable individuals. Globally, experts such as Dr. Chris Rynn have contributed significantly to the field. Since 2018, KEM Hospital in Mumbai has been at the forefront of forensic face restoration. Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science (SIFS) in India has a dedicated Forensic Facial Imaging Laboratory. Their skilled forensic artists perform facial reconstructions using software to provide insights into age, sex, and ancestry. Dr. Caroline Wilkinson, a renowned facial anthropologist, oversaw the reconstruction process at the University of Dundee. Dr. Murugaiyan Amirthalingam and Dr. Karthik Balaji have developed methods for designing and manufacturing personalised 3D-printed facial implants, a product developed by Zoriox Innovation Labs.


Forensic Facial Reconstruction continues to evolve, merging cutting-edge technology with scientific expertise to reveal identities and preserve history. From aiding law enforcement in solving crimes to reconstructing historical figures and advancing medical applications, this field remains indispensable. As AI-driven tools and 3D imaging enhance accuracy, the future of forensic facial reconstruction promises even greater precision and impact, ensuring that every face—whether lost to time or tragedy—can be recognised and remembered.


(Dr. Kumar is a retired IPS officer and forensic advisor to the Assam government. Phukan is a student of National University of Forensic Science, Guwahati.)

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