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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.

Unveiling Smuggling Networks with Forensics

Updated: Mar 20

Innovations in forensic science now enable rapid, high-precision detection of trace-level narcotics in complex samples.

Smuggling Networks with Forensics

Forensic narcotics analysis is a specialised branch of forensic science that deals with the identification of illegal drugs and their derivatives. This field plays a crucial role in detecting, and analysing drugs, helping law enforcement and forensic experts identify illicit substances quickly and accurately. These tools can even identify trace amounts of drugs in samples such as blood, urine, hair, and environmental surfaces, providing reliable results in both laboratories and field operations.


The roots of forensic narcotic analysis date back to “The William Palmer Case” of England, where chemical analysis was used to detect toxic substances in the poisoning investigation. Later, the Hague Opium Convention in 1912 led to the routine use of forensic narcotics analysis in the illegal drug trade. In India, forensic narcotics analysis became prominent in the mid-20th century, with the establishment of forensic science laboratories and increasing concerns about illegal drug trafficking.


India faces significant challenges from two major drug-producing regions: the Golden Crescent, which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, and the Golden Triangle, including Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. Heroin from the Golden Crescent affects states like Punjab, while drugs from the Golden Triangle affect northeastern states such as Manipur and Mizoram. This dual threat continues to disrupt families and communities, emphasising the need for countermeasures.


Several notable cases have employed these tools in detecting and seizing narcotic drugs. In 2021, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 3000 kg of cocaine worth ₹21,000 crore at Mundra Port, Gujarat. Advanced container scanners revealed cocaine hidden in a shipment labelled as ‘talcum powder’. These scanners can analyse dense, irregular items of shipments, enabling the detection of hidden drugs. Similarly, detection dogs have displayed their value in drug enforcement. At Bengaluru Airport in 2018, a trained sniffer dog identified a consignment of hashish hidden in gift items destined for Dubai.


Another major drug detection tool includes the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) testing kits, which are portable and allow on-the-spot colour-changing chemical testing of narcotic substances. The customs officials seized 50 kg of heroin hidden in a truck carrying agricultural produce using these kits at the Wagah Border in 2021. This immediate identification facilitates further investigation into cross-border smuggling networks.


Modern forensic tools are increasingly integrated with mobile applications, allowing for seamless data collection, analysis, and sharing. This integration facilitates real-time decision-making and enhances the efficiency of forensic investigations. For example, NIRLAB's ultra-portable near-infrared detector connects to a mobile app, enabling instant analysis and visualisation of results.


The Supreme Court has emphasised the pivotal role of forensic tools in enhancing the effectiveness of narcotic drug investigations and has recognised the results of such tests as scientific evidence. In the 2013 case of Thana Singh vs. Central Bureau of Narcotics, the Supreme Court acknowledged that timely chemical analysis of seized substances is essential for the effective prosecution of drug-related offences. It also recommended establishing more forensic labs and appointing qualified experts for prompt analysis. Experts like Dr. Rajesh Sharma, a leading narcotics specialist, use chemistry to trace drug origins and lift fingerprints from packages to track down and expose entire smuggling networks. They provide evidence needed to prosecute traffickers and shut down operations.


The Centre of Excellence at NFSU uses advanced tools to identify and quantify narcotic substances. They also develop portable testing kits that allow law enforcement agencies to conduct on-the-spot analysis during raids and seizures. Its contributions integrate forensic science into modern law enforcement strategies.


These advancements are transforming forensic narcotic detection in India by providing more efficient, accurate, and safer methods for identifying substances, thereby strengthening the efforts of law enforcement agencies.


(Dr. Kumar is a retired IPS officer and forensic consultant to the Assam Government. Bhowmickis a research associate in criminology.)

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