Government Begins Preparations for a Third Airport in Mumbai After CSMIA and NAMIA
The Maharashtra government has initiated preparations for the development of a third international airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), signaling a major leap in infrastructure development. The proposed Greenfield airport, to be built in the Vadhavan area of Palghar district, is expected to complement the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai (CSMIA) and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NAMIA).
The state government-run Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has commenced a pre-feasibility study to assess the viability of the project. Located approximately 140 kilometers from downtown Mumbai, Vadhavan is strategically positioned near the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. The area is already witnessing significant development with the construction of the Vadhavan Port, a Greenfield all-weather port, which had its groundbreaking ceremony performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
A Game-Changer for Maharashtra’s Economy
The proposed airport, along with the modern Vadhavan Port, is expected to be a game-changer for Maharashtra’s economy. The port, being developed by Vadhavan Port Project Ltd (VPPL)—a joint venture between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (74%) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (26%)—will feature nine container terminals, four multipurpose berths, liquid cargo berths, and a Coast Guard berth. The project, costing ₹76,220 crore, will also include road and rail connectivity to national highways and the Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the vision behind the project, stating that the aim is to create a “third Mumbai” in Palghar and Vasai-Virar, complete with a port, airport, and bullet train connectivity. “This will create an ecosystem that will drive economic growth and ease the burden on existing infrastructure in Mumbai,” Fadnavis said.
A New City on the Horizon
In addition to the airport and port, the state government is planning to develop a new satellite city around Vadhavan. This aligns with the broader vision of transforming the region into a major commercial and logistical hub. The proposed city will benefit from the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, coastal highway, and Mumbai-Vadodara expressway, ensuring seamless connectivity.
Swati Pandey, Managing Director of MADC, highlighted that the pre-feasibility study is the first step in determining the project’s feasibility. “The consultants will guide us on what is possible in the Vadhavan area,” she said.
Addressing Mumbai’s Growing Needs
The plan for a third airport in MMR has been under consideration for some time, given the increasing pressure on Mumbai’s existing infrastructure. With a population of over 20 million, Mumbai’s current airport is one of the busiest in India. The new airport in Palghar is expected to cater to the growing demand for air travel and freight services, while also boosting regional development.
The idea of a third airport was first discussed by Fadnavis during the Vadhavan Port groundbreaking ceremony in August 2022. The proposal has since gained momentum, with the state government keen to position Vadhavan as one of the top 10 ports globally.
As Maharashtra takes its first steps toward realizing this ambitious project, the development of a third Mumbai with world-class infrastructure appears to be on the horizon, promising to reshape the region’s economic and logistical landscape.
