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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.

Trading Profitably in Stock Markets

Updated: Nov 12, 2024

Stock Markets

It is often said that, “The tool or platform isn't the problem; how it is used is what truly matters.”

The stock market is a platform for creating wealth through both investing and trading . However, in trading, many casual investors fail to achieve success due to a lack of strategy and over-reliance on feelings or borrowed knowledge (tips). Many retail investors indulge in random trading, leading to poor experiences and losses.


So where exactly is the casual retail investor going wrong?


Five points to trade profitably:

  1. Define Entry and Exit Points

One of the first steps in building a successful trading strategy is defining clear entry and exit points. These decisions should not be based on gut feelings. Instead, rely on technical analysis to guide your choices. Write down your strategy on paper and make sure it is well-defined. Planning your entry and exit points in advance helps you stay disciplined.


  1. Money Management

Without a clear money management strategy, it is easy to get carried away and overexpose yourself to unnecessary risk. Before entering any trade, have a well-thought-out plan regarding how much capital you are willing to allocate to each trade. Divide your money wisely among different stocks or instruments, and avoid random decisions.


  1. Use Stop Loss and Trailing Stop Loss

Manage risk better by using a stop loss. A stop loss is a predetermined price point where you set your maximum loss and automatically sell your position if the price falls to that level.


This prevents emotional decisions in volatile markets. Additionally, consider using a trailing stop loss. This tool allows your stop loss to adjust as the price moves in your favor, locking in profits while still protecting you if the market reverses. Both of these are crucial in limiting losses and securing profits.


  1. If Trading in Futures and Options, Do Hedge

Hedging is an essential tool when trading derivatives such as futures and options. Use a combination of instruments to diversify risk and protect money. For instance, you could buy futures and hedge with put options. This way, futures serve as your primary instrument, while put options act as insurance. Another approach is to use option combinations where you buy and sell options in tandem.


  1. Maintain Idle Cash as a Cushion

Keep some of your trading capital unutilized as a cushion. Avoid putting all your money into active trades. Having idle cash can serve multiple purposes—it can be used to average up positions that are performing well or to average down the cost of stocks that are temporarily undervalued but still meet your entry criteria. This buffer will also give you the flexibility to adjust your positions if needed.


Trading profitably is not about luck, but about implementing a well-structured plan and managing risks wisely.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605. )

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