By Faridat Salifu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a strategic infrastructure project set to strengthen connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Western India.
Situated just 14 kilometers from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and 35 kilometers from Mumbai Port Trust, NMIA’s location is expected to streamline cargo movement between sea and air transport.
The airport’s advanced cargo facilities, including temperature-controlled zones and automated handling systems, will support the efficient transit of perishable goods and high-value commodities.
With a capacity to handle 20 million passengers in its first phase and plans to expand to 90 million annually, NMIA is poised to boost regional trade and commerce.
Its proximity to major maritime hubs offers a seamless logistics corridor that could enhance export opportunities and supply chain efficiency.
Equipped with sustainable infrastructure, including solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, and an electric vehicle fleet, NMIA aligns with modern environmental standards while supporting growth in sectors dependent on coastal and maritime activities.
The airport’s integration of smart technologies such as 5G connectivity and IoT-enabled operations aims to deliver improved efficiency across passenger and cargo services, further reinforcing the region’s role as a growing economic and logistics center.