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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.

Forensics in Solving Highway Crashes

Forensic science sheds light on every skid mark, crash, and clue, ensuring justice is served to road crash victims.

Highway Crashes

Highway accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in India, with over 1.5 lakh lives lost annually, many on highways. Highways often become hotspots for accidents due to speeding, drunk driving, and poor road conditions. Forensic science uncovers the truth behind such tragic events by applying scientific principles to analyse evidence, removing speculation, and ensuring justice for victims.


In highway accident investigations, tire marks (impressions from stationary or moving tires) reveal the direction of travel, while skid marks (friction marks like skid, yaw, and scuff marks) provide insights into sudden manoeuvres: braking attempts and loss of control. Crash reconstruction tools like 3D modelling and simulations assess impact forces, vehicle speeds, and the sequence of events. By analysing the length, width, and patterns of these marks, experts can identify vehicle types, detect faulty brakes or tire defects, and estimate the collision point.


To extract digital evidence from vehicles, forensic experts first document key details such as the vehicle's make, model, VIN, and odometer reading and conduct a physical inspection with photographs. Using forensic tools like Berla iVe software, they access the infotainment system or other modules. If present, removable media like SIM cards or SD cards are extracted separately. For non-destructive methods, data is retrieved directly, but if deeper access is needed, a chip-off extraction is performed with written approval, as it is destructive. Extracted data, including vehicle speed, braking, GPS logs, and system activities, is analysed to reconstruct events.


Forensic toxicology tests are used to detect alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. CCTV footage can capture crucial moments of the accident, helping to validate or challenge eyewitness accounts. DNA and blood analysis are used to identify victims, determine the cause of death, and assess the presence of substances. Weather and environmental conditions, like rain or poor lighting, can affect driving conditions. Forensic photography documents the accident scene and helps preserve evidence for legal proceedings. Together, these elements provide a comprehensive understanding of the incident, helping to establish accountability.


Recently in the Pune Porsche Crash (May 2024), forensics revealed the car’s speed of over 150 km/h and the intoxication of the underage driver, ensuring accountability. The Yamuna Expressway Crash (January 2024) exposed tire failure due to improper air pressure, stressing vehicle maintenance. The Cyrus Mistry Accident (2022) underscored the importance of rear seatbelts, while the Balasore Train Tragedy (2023) revealed signal lapses, leading to safety improvements. Actor Salman Khan's car allegedly ran over five people sleeping on a pavement in Mumbai, killing one and injuring four. Salman was accused of rash and negligent driving and fleeing the scene. Four men were charged with intentionally dragging 20-year-old Anjali Singh to death under a car (2023), despite chances to save her, while two others were accused of misleading the investigation. Forensic experts reconstructed the case by analysing the crime scene and examining skid marks, blood traces, and clothing fragments along the route. The car was examined for bloodstains and fibres, while CCTV footage, GPS data, and call records were analysed to track the vehicle's movements and timeline.


Between 2018 and 2022, 2.45 lakh deaths were reported in hit-and-run cases in India, but only 33,212 cases resulted in convictions. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra lead in hit-and-run fatalities, accounting for a significant share of deaths. The Supreme Court stated that delay in filing an FIR does not reject motor accident claims unless the evidence is weak or insufficient. Despite a rising conviction rate, improving from 28% in 2018 to 47.9% in 2022, over 2 lakh cases remain pending. With rising highway accidents, strengthening forensic capabilities is crucial.


(Dr. Kumar is a former IPS officer and forensic consultant to Assam government. Das is a student of FSU, Guwahati. Views personal.)

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