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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.

Indian Immigrants in the US: A Story of Success and Contribution

Concluding Part Eight

In the final installment, we explore how Indians in the US fuel America's growth and how hard work and adaptability at home can unlock India's future prosperity.

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This busy rate and growing population is a big challenge for India in its future journey. Like India, America also has a democracy, but there is one difference. The overall cabinet structure, parliamentary structure, and the method of electing representatives are different from those in India. To give an example, here the President is elected by the people, while in our country, the MPs and MLAs elected by the people elect the President. In America, the President has a lot of importance and powers; of course, we have them in India, but along with him, the post of Prime Minister in India should have more powers, which affects the overall administration of the country.


The United States, comprising 50 states, not 52, exhibits a distinct federal system, where power is decentralised, and each state enjoys significant autonomy. Except for a few critical areas like defence, justice, and education, which are overseen by the federal government, individual states have considerable authority to govern themselves. This decentralisation fosters a unique identity for each state, contributing to the country's rich diversity.


Despite being a global leader, the United States faces intense pressure to maintain its position. The rapidly shifting global landscape and emerging challenges from other nations necessitate continuous effort and innovation. Moreover, the country grapples with domestic issues, including rising unemployment, which demands effective policy responses to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity.


Although the United States pioneered the computer and mobile revolutions, which followed the industrial revolution, outsourcing has led to the displacement of many factories and the relocation of industries, such as the automotive and computer manufacturing sectors, to other countries. Consequently, the US is grappling with rising unemployment, which poses a significant challenge.


Another pressing issue is the influx of immigrants, particularly those who have entered the country illegally from neighbouring South American nations, primarily Mexico. The presence of a substantial number of undocumented immigrants in the US has become a contentious issue, sparking debates on border control, immigration policy, and national security.


A substantial number of Indian citizens have migrated to the United States for educational and professional opportunities and are now lawful residents. Notably, the intellectual capital, academic excellence, and diligent work ethic that Indians bring to the table are making significant contributions to America's prosperity and economic growth.


Indians, known for their peaceful and gentle nature, tend to blend in seamlessly without asserting their distinct identity or engaging in activities that might disrupt social harmony. Notably, Indians have made significant contributions to various fields in America, including software development, NASA's scientific community, medicine, engineering, and research. Indians comprise a sizable proportion of professionals in these areas.


In keeping with India's timeless tradition of promoting global well-being, the Indian diaspora in America strives to make meaningful contributions to the country and the world. By working diligently and peacefully, Indians aim to add value to their adopted homeland.


Indians living in America on valid visas like H1 or B1 likely have no reason to worry, thanks to Donald Trump's understanding of India's importance and the valuable contributions Indians make to America. The friendship between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to foster positive relations between the two nations.


Trump has consistently shown appreciation for India and Modi, even calling him a "true friend." Their bond was evident in events like the "Howdy Modi" rally in Houston and the "Namaste Trump" event in Ahmedabad. With Trump's second term, India can anticipate strengthened cooperation in defence, security, and trade.


The US recognises India's highly skilled workforce, particularly in the tech sector, as a valuable asset to the American economy. This mutual understanding suggests that Indians in America can continue to contribute positively without major concerns.


Historically, the East, particularly India, was renowned for its prosperity. Today, the West, epitomised by America, holds that distinction. However, a global shift is underway, with Eastern nations like India and China driving their growth and development. As the world continues to evolve, new opportunities will emerge.


To capitalise on these prospects, it's essential to adopt a forward-thinking mindset and be adaptable in a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, there's no substitute for diligent, honest hard work. By embracing this ethos, India is poised to become a developed and prosperous nation, even if it may not attain superpower status by 2050.


(The author is a director of a company. He has travelled extensively across India and overseas.)

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