PM Modi calls Navi Mumbai Airport a gateway for Maharashtra’s global trade

October 9, 2025

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport and unveiled various developmental projects in Mumbai on Wednesday, saying that the new international airport and underground metro are set to transform travel and connectivity in the city.

Noting that Mumbai’s long wait has ended with the city now receiving its second international airport, the Prime Minister highlighted that this airport will play a major role in establishing the region as one of Asia’s largest connectivity hubs.

He also remarked that Mumbai has now received a fully underground metro, which will make travel easier and save time for commuters. PM Modi described the underground metro as a living symbol of a developing India and noted that in a bustling city like Mumbai, this remarkable metro has been constructed underground while preserving historic buildings. He extended his congratulations to the workers and engineers involved in the project.

Underlining that India offers countless opportunities for its youth, the Prime Minister highlighted the recent launch of the Rs 60,000 crore PM Setu scheme aimed at linking numerous ITIs across the country with industry. He noted that starting today, the Maharashtra government has introduced new programs in hundreds of ITIs and technical schools. Through these initiatives, PM Modi stated, students will receive training in emerging technologies, including drones, robotics, electric vehicles, solar energy, and green hydrogen. He extended his best wishes to the youth of Maharashtra.

“Today, the entire nation is committed to fulfilling the resolve of a Viksit Bharat–an India defined by both speed and progress, where public welfare is paramount and government schemes simplify citizens’ lives,” he said.

He said this spirit has guided development efforts across every corner of the country in the past 11 years.

The Prime Minister highlighted that when Vande Bharat semi high-speed trains run on the tracks, when bullet train projects gain momentum, when wide highways and expressways connect new cities, when long tunnels are carved through mountains, and when tall sea bridges link distant shores, India’s speed and progress become visible. He affirmed that such advancements give new wings to the aspirations of India’s youth.

PM Modi stated that today’s event continues the momentum of India’s development journey.

He highlighted that the Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project that reflects the vision of a developed India.

The airport is shaped like a lotus flower, symbolising culture and prosperity. The Prime Minister remarked that this new airport will connect Maharashtra’s farmers to supermarkets in Europe and the Middle East, enabling fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, and fishery products to reach global markets swiftly.

He noted that the airport will reduce export costs for nearby small and medium industries, boost investment, and lead to the establishment of new enterprises. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Maharashtra and Mumbai for the new airport.

Underlining that when there is a resolve to fulfil dreams and a strong will to deliver rapid development to citizens, results are inevitable, the Prime Minister highlighted that India’s aviation sector stands as a major testament to this progress.

Recalling his 2014 address upon assuming office, PM Modi reiterated his vision that even those wearing ‘hawai chappals’ should be able to travel by air. To realise this dream, it was essential to build new airports across the country. He affirmed that the government took this mission seriously and, over the past eleven years, new airports have been constructed one after another. In 2014, India had only 74 airports; today, the number has crossed 160.

The Prime Minister stated that the construction of airports in smaller cities has provided residents with new options for air travel. To address financial constraints, the government launched the UDAN scheme, which aims to make air tickets more affordable for the common citizen. He highlighted that over the past decade, millions of people have flown for the first time under this scheme, fulfilling their long-held dreams.

Emphasising that the construction of new airports and the UDAN scheme have provided convenience to citizens, PM Modi highlighted that India has now become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. He remarked that Indian airlines are continuously expanding and placing orders for hundreds of new aircraft. This growth is creating new opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground workers.