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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.

When Celebs Praise a Project, Run for the Hills

Is Adolescence an amazing web series or just an overhyped dud sold by celebrities with agendas?

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There seems to be a trend in the past few years of Bollywood blatantly lying about the “perfection” and “admiration” of certain films, web series, and actors. Take, for instance, the recently released web series Adolescence, which seems to be the best thing on Netflix right now if one were to believe the likes of Anurag Kashyap and Alia Bhatt.


I’ve seen the web series, and believe me when I say this, it is a snooze fest laced with good acting. It is so boring that one has to repeatedly remind oneself to stay awake to finish its torturous (one-take) four episodes.


Celebs lying through their teeth

Let’s go back a few weeks, when the disastrous Nadaaniyan, the debut of Ibrahim Ali Khan also starring Khushi Kapoor, was released (coincidentally on Netflix). On scrolling social media, one was flooded with reels promoting the film, but a particular one stood out to me. A certain actor Archana Puran Singh (who also has a brief appearance in the film) showered praises on its lead actors. All one could do was roll their eyes because what Archana was saying contradicted what the audiences and critics were feeling. Ibrahim and Khushi gave horrendous performances. A few days later, I came across a reel where Archana is asked about the plans for her sons; guess what she says? One of her boys is becoming an actor and is currently “auditioning”. This was where I added two and two together. It made me realise that almost every time a celebrity praises a film or web series or fellow actor, there has to be some hidden work connection or future project or offer tied to that “praise”.


The sad part is they just lie through their teeth. Alia praising Adolescence out of the blue might seem to contradict what I just said. However, it may be noteworthy to know that most of her recent films, including Heart of Stone and Darlings, were released on Netflix.


Anurag, while praising the show, blasted Netflix India, even though one of his biggest successes in the last few years, Sacred Games, has been a Netflix India product. His other ventures, like, The Lunchbox, Bombay Talkies, Lust Stories, etc., are also streaming on Netflix. He feels if a subject like Adolescence were to be pitched to Netflix India, they “most probably would have rejected it or turned it into a 90-minute film”. Oh Mr Kashyap, how I wish Adolescence was indeed rejected or turned into a 90-minute film instead of the painfully slow time-waster that it is.


My Problem with Adolescence

The length: This four-episode web series could have easily been just two episodes. Not only does it drag the story, but it also does a grave injustice to the precious time of the audience.


Unanswered questions: There are certain scenes in the show where I found myself having more questions than answers. The boy swears to his father that he didn’t kill the girl. Yet during police interrogation, the father-son are shown CCTV footage of the actual crime, and we as an audience don’t get to see it. So did he kill the girl or not? Why did the female doctor evaluating him tolerate his disturbing behaviour? The list goes on and on.


One take, no thank you: The thing that is being raved about is how all four episodes were shot in one take. As an audience, it was probably the worst thing to witness. I am reminded of a one take episode shot by the team of CID way back in 2004 and even that was far more entertaining than this “perfect web series”. Not undermining the hard work put in by the team, but how long can one tolerate a still camera and just one location, especially in episode three? It boasts excellent acting but an awful screenplay and direction. No wonder the director of the show (Stephen Graham) was shocked when he came to know about the show’s popularity among Indian celebs. He knows he has made a substandard series.


Episode 4: The absolute worst part of the whole series and something that could have easily been done away with. It shows how the killer boy’s parents and sister are trying to get back to normal. I found myself wondering what on earth the makers were thinking. A teen girl has been killed, and they want us to empathise with the family of the murderer? Also, it was the most boring episode despite there being movement by the characters in a minivan.


The real entertainers: Want a solid recommendation from me that will keep you on the edge of your seat despite knowing (or not knowing) everything about the case? Grab your favourite snacks and watch American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson on Netflix. This four-part docuseries based on the 1994 double homicide of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman is an excellent one, very well directed and not boring even for one second, unlike Adolescence. It is indeed the closest thing to “perfection” on Netflix at the moment.


Netflix also has a series (set in different countries) titled Criminal. If you want to watch the perpetrators being interrogated by cops and brought to justice, this one is highly recommended.

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