Navi Mumbai International Airport Named After D B Patil

The Navi Mumbai International Airport will be named after late D B Patil, a prominent people’s leader associated with farmers’ and local rights movements in the region. Maharashtra Chief Minister “Devendra Fadnavis” announced the decision while addressing a public meeting in Airoli, underlining the airport’s strategic role in shaping Navi Mumbai’s economic future.

Airport as a Catalyst for Regional Growth

Fadnavis stated that Navi Mumbai is an extension of Mumbai and is poised to emerge as the next engine of economic growth in Maharashtra. The international airport is expected to significantly boost sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, innovation-led enterprises, services, and import-export activities. According to the chief minister, improved global connectivity will help diversify the city’s economic base and attract domestic as well as international investment.

Major Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects

Several infrastructure projects are underway to support the city’s expansion. These include a new junction at Kalamboli to ease traffic congestion and the Kharghar–Turbhe tunnel to improve east–west connectivity. A metro network is also being developed by “City and Industrial Development Corporation”, aimed at strengthening intra-city mobility and reducing dependence on road transport.

Water Supply and Education Hub Plans

Addressing civic needs, Fadnavis said the Shilar and Poshir water supply projects would meet Navi Mumbai’s drinking water requirements in the near future. He also announced plans for the development of an EduCity, envisioned as a global education hub that would attract leading universities from India and abroad, generating local employment and retaining student talent within the region.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• D B Patil was a key leader of farmers’ and land rights movements in the Navi Mumbai region.
• Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed as a second major airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
• CIDCO is the nodal agency for planned development and infrastructure in Navi Mumbai.
• The Shilar and Poshir projects are dedicated water supply schemes for urban Maharashtra.

Urban Redevelopment and Social Infrastructure

On urban development, the chief minister announced redevelopment of housing at the Ghansoli simplex and modernisation of the APMC market at the same location. He added that tenders have been floated for a multi-speciality hospital in Belapur, while construction of a central library at Manpada has commenced. The state government also plans targeted schemes for fishermen and local communities to ensure inclusive growth alongside rapid urbanisation.