Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasized the urgency of accelerating the development of new airport projects and the expansion of existing ones to enhance the state’s connectivity. Addressing the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) board of directors, Fadnavis assured that both the state government and the Centre would provide full support for these initiatives. Highlighting the significant potential to improve air connectivity in Maharashtra, he called for swift and coordinated action to achieve this objective.
Utilisation of State and Central Resources
To minimize the pressure on major city airports, he instructed the MADC to take action on an immediate basis by primarily focusing on strategic expansion and development plans. Fadnavis also highlighted the significance of utilizing state funds along with the Union government’s civil aviation schemes. These funds will help in upgrading existing infrastructure and expedite the development of new airports.
The Chief Minister also monitored the status of ongoing projects at the Shirdi, Purandar, Chandrapur (Morwa), Amravati (Belora), Solapur, Akola, Dhule, Gadchiroli, Karad, Phaltan and Gadchiroli airports. Discussion was also taken on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for 786.56 hectares of land allotted for the GMR Nagpur International Airport in the MIHAN region.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) achieved exceptional performance in November 2024. The airport registered 3.40 million domestic and 1.37 million international travellers, with a total of 4.77 million passengers. About 27,200 air traffic movements were also recorded. The busiest day for Mumbai Airport was recorded on November 27, as it managed 941 flights with exceptional efficiency.
(With inputs from PTI)