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India's financial capital, Mumbai, is poised for a significant expansion of its aviation infrastructure. While the much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport is slated for inauguration in April, plans are underway for a groundbreaking third airport – India's first offshore airport. This ambitious project proposes the construction of an artificial island near the Vadhvan seaport, approximately 120 kilometers from the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The project has received initial approvals from relevant environmental and defense departments, as well as the Maharashtra state government. Feasibility studies are now set to commence, paving the way for what could be a significant boost to India's aviation capacity and a demonstration of its engineering capabilities. The design inspiration appears to be drawn from similar projects already operational elsewhere in the world, particularly China's Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport and Japan's Kansai International Airport, both of which are situated on man-made islands.
The proposed airport's location near the Vadhvan seaport, itself a massive Rs 76,000 crore project aiming to be among the world's top 10 ports, is strategically significant. The Vadhvan seaport's development, with its two phases scheduled for completion in 2030 and 2039 respectively, presents a synergistic opportunity to integrate the airport seamlessly within the broader infrastructure development. The idea of an airport near the Vadhvan seaport was first floated by Devendra Fadnavis, the then deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, highlighting the growing need for additional airport capacity in Mumbai. This need is underscored by the fact that CSMIA, currently the second busiest airport in India, is operating at its saturation point, regularly experiencing delays due to high passenger volume and runway constraints. Air India, for instance, has openly attributed a significant portion of its flight delays to capacity limitations at CSMIA. The proposed offshore airport aims to mitigate these issues by avoiding land acquisition challenges, a major hurdle often encountered in large infrastructure projects.
The scale of the project is considerable. The planned airport is intended to rival existing offshore airports globally in terms of size and passenger capacity. Modelled after Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, which will be the world’s largest airport on a man-made island upon completion, the Mumbai project anticipates handling 80 million passengers annually, facilitated by 540,000 flights. The expected completion date is 2035. This ambition resonates with the prior considerations of a third Mumbai airport, including proposals for domestic airports at Kelva-Mahim or Dapchari, both in Palghar district. A similar concept was proposed by Netherlands Airport Consultants in 2013, suggesting the creation of an artificial island north of Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT). The current plan, however, emphasizes the potential to not only enhance connectivity but also address land acquisition delays, making it a compelling proposition despite the significant investment and extended construction timeframe. However, the project also presents significant logistical challenges, such as ensuring convenient transportation between the new airport and the city, and justifying the substantial financial outlay involved.
Experts estimate a construction timeline exceeding a decade for a project of this magnitude. This lengthy process necessitates meticulous planning and coordination across multiple agencies and stakeholders. The successful execution of the project will depend on careful consideration of various factors, including environmental impact assessments, engineering feasibility, and effective management of logistical challenges. The economic benefits are projected to be substantial, boosting the city's economy, creating jobs and improving connectivity. The creation of such a large-scale infrastructure project will require significant investment and will undeniably have a considerable impact on the environment and the surrounding area. The project will need to demonstrate careful environmental management planning to mitigate any negative consequences.
Beyond the economic benefits, the project also carries immense symbolic weight. It represents India's commitment to ambitious infrastructure development and its capacity to undertake challenging engineering feats. The successful execution of this project would serve as a testament to India's growing global stature and its capability to deliver complex infrastructure projects efficiently. The project also highlights the necessity for proactive planning and innovative solutions in addressing the growing demands of a rapidly expanding urban area like Mumbai. The strategic location and planned capacity will not only ease congestion at existing airports but also contribute to better national and international connectivity for Mumbai, further solidifying its position as a major economic hub. The project's progress will be closely watched by the aviation industry and infrastructure developers worldwide.
Source: Is India set to get it first airport built on an artificial island near Mumbai?