Proposal To Name Navi Mumbai Airport After Late DB Patil Reaches PMO

Union Minister Kapil Patil stated that the proposal to name the new Navi Mumbai Airport after the late leader DB Patil has reached Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office. As per media reports, the proposal is expected to get approved soon.

Patil made these remarks at Dombivli's Agri Mahaotsav held on December 16. He further added that the new airport's name will be officially confirmed during the latter phases of construction.

Many years ago, in the Panvel tehsil of Raigad district, the late DB Patil was well-known for leading protests by farmers and landowners against the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) acquiring land.

The minister said that in November last year, the state legislative assembly and council approved a resolution to rename the airport, which was then forwarded to the Centre. Since then, the Home Department has sent the suggestion to the Prime Minister's Office secretary.

The Bhumiputra Sangharsh Samiti and former MP Sanjiv Naik have voiced concerns regarding the employment opportunities for locals at the proposed airport. In response, Patil pledged to provide local residents with employment opportunities. It is unlikely that jobs will be withheld from Bhumiputras, or locals, the minister promised.

Earlier this year, during the monsoon session of the state parliament, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the Navi Mumbai airport will open for business in 2024.

In response to a discussion over a calling attention notice regarding the state of airports in Maharashtra led by Congress politician Ashok Chavan and others, Fadnavis said planes will take off from the airport in August next year. He further added that the work at Nanded and Latur airport has come to a halt due to non-payment of dues by the assigned company.

On the other hand, a revolutionary coastal road is expected to develop in Navi Mumbai, connecting the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) in an effort to improve connectivity and strengthen infrastructure. In addition to reducing traffic, the ambitious INR 700 crore project by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has the potential to boost economic growth and improve living conditions for those who live in the satellite city and its environs.

The Ulwe Coastal Road, which links NMIA and MTHL, is hailed as a game-changer. It is anticipated that this strategic linkage will shorten travel times, giving commuters between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai a quick and effective route.