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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.

The Timeless Beauty of the Rocky Mountain Range

Updated: Jan 10

Part Five

The majestic Rocky Mountains and their surrounding beauty captivate the heart, beckoning you to return again and again.

Rocky Mountain Range

During our visit to the United States to see our older son, Akhilesh, my younger son, who was pursuing his M.Tech in India at the time, was unable to join us. His college exams, which were scheduled around the same time, prevented him from coming—something we had truly hoped for. Fortunately, during Diwali, my nephew Aniket, who was working in New Jersey on the East Coast of the United States at the time, took a vacation and visited us in Denver. This gave us the chance to revisit the Rocky Mountains. However, we missed having Akhilesh with us throughout the trip and decided to visit all the places again when he could join us.


On Sunday morning, we set off again to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. On the way, we passed a beautiful village called Frisco, with European-style bungalows, houses, and nature. We had breakfast there and then saw Dillon Lake. A little further ahead of it is Twin Lake, a beautiful lake between two mountains, with blue water and a beautiful clear blue sky. It was a beautiful sight. After crossing one ridge after another through this mountain valley, we came to Maroon Bell. The journey continued by crossing many small and large mountains, which are called ridges.


Maroon Bells is another incredibly famous destination. Here, they transport you on a special bus for a guided nature tour of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a unique way to explore the area. Fortunately, there weren’t too many visitors during our trip, so we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature without any distractions. Afterward, we headed to the world-renowned city of Aspen. Situated at a remarkably high altitude, Aspen is a stunningly beautiful and charming place. In winter, when the mountains are blanketed in snow, it attracts visitors from all over the globe who come to engage in a variety of adventure sports in the snow. Aspen is especially famous for its skiing opportunities, drawing both seasoned and novice skiers alike. It’s also known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, adding to its allure as an exclusive destination.


From there, we travelled to another charming town, Crested Butte. Nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains on all sides, and with a picturesque lake by its side, this European-style village exudes the charm of an English countryside. The clean, open roads and the surrounding nature contribute to the village's serene beauty. Each season brings a unique view of nature—during the summer, the mountain peaks are adorned with a vibrant array of flowers and vines, and the entire landscape, including the mountains, is decorated with colourful blossoms. Shubhankar and Ragini made a point of visiting two or three times to take in this breathtaking, panoramic view. It was only after coming here that Shubhankar truly fell in love with the place.


From there, we made our way to another charming town, Crested Butte. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains on all sides and complemented by a stunning lake nearby, this picturesque European-style village brings to mind the serene beauty of an English countryside. The clean, wide-open roads, along with the untouched natural surroundings, make this village truly special. Each season presents a unique perspective of nature—during the summer, the mountain tops are blanketed with a variety of flowers and vines, while the entire landscape, including the mountains themselves, seems to be decorated in a vibrant array of colours. Shubhankar and Ragini made it a point to visit two or three times just to take in this stunning panoramic view. It wasn’t until Shubhankar experienced it firsthand that he truly fell in love with the place.


In this expansive Rocky Mountain range, beyond the famous Rocky Mountain National Park, we also discovered three or four other national parks, including the Gunnison National Forest, Isabel National Forest, and more, each offering its own breathtaking views and natural beauty.


After crossing the trail ridge, we arrived at Grand Lake, a heavenly place, a lake so big that it looked like a big river, with mountains in front, springs flowing from the mountains that meet this lake, and the clear blue water in the lake. Everything was so beautiful that it felt like we were looking at it or looking at a beautiful calendar. The cold outside and the sun setting in the middle made the whole atmosphere absolutely amazing. There are many more places like this in the Rocky Mountains, but it is not possible to see the entire area in one or two trips, but the joy of experiencing the proximity of these magnificent mountains always remains with us, wanting to visit again and again.


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

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