Maharashtra Approves Police Station Ahead of Navi Mumbai Airport Opening

The Maharashtra government has approved the establishment of a dedicated police station to enhance security at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), set to be inaugurated on October 8, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision, reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI), comes as the airport prepares to begin passenger flight operations in December 2025.

The newly established police station aims to address the security needs of a facility expected to accommodate up to 90 million passengers and manage 360 million metric tonnes of cargo annually once fully operational. Recognizing the scale of this project, the Additional Director General of Police (Planning and Coordination) submitted a proposal to the state’s home department for the creation of the station.

Currently, the area’s security falls under the jurisdiction of the Panvel City and Ulwe police stations. The proposed station will be formed by redistributing jurisdiction between these two existing police zones. The home department has approved the plan, which includes the establishment of 108 new police posts specifically for the airport station.

Financially, the initiative has a recurring budget of Rs 3.38 crore for staff and operations, alongside a non-recurring budget of Rs 1.76 crore for infrastructure and initial setup costs. A government resolution formalizing these decisions has been issued, marking a significant step in security preparedness as the airport approaches its opening.

Strategic Importance of Navi Mumbai International Airport

The Navi Mumbai International Airport represents one of India’s most ambitious aviation projects, developed by the Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL), a joint venture of Adani Airports holding 74% and CIDCO with 26%. Located in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, just 37 kilometers from South Mumbai, the airport aims to become a major gateway for both passengers and cargo in Western India.

Once completed, NMIA will rank among India’s busiest and most advanced airports. The construction is underway in five phases, with an eventual capacity of 90 million passengers per year. Currently, Phase 1 is nearing completion and is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually.

The airport will feature four terminals, including Terminal 1, which will serve as an integrated domestic and international terminal. This terminal has been inspired by the lotus flower, showcasing unique sculptural columns and sustainable architectural designs. Additionally, the cargo terminal is projected to handle 0.5 million metric tonnes in Phase 1, with plans to scale up to 3.2 million tonnes in subsequent phases.

With the establishment of the new police station, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to enhance its security framework, ensuring safety as it prepares to become a key player in the aviation landscape of India.