New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maharashtra on October 8 and 9 to inaugurate a series of high value infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The visit will see the launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport’s first phase and the dedication of the city’s first underground metro line. Mr Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer.
Global Aviation Hub
In a significant move to transform India into a global aviation hub the Prime Minister will inaugurate Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The project has been built at a cost of around ₹19,650 crore. As India’s largest Greenfield airport project developed under a Public Private Partnership it will serve as the second international airport for the Mumbai region easing congestion at the existing facility. The airport is designed to eventually handle 90 million passengers and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. The facility will feature sustainable practices including storage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and solar power generation. It will also be the first airport in the country to be connected by a Water Taxi.
Underground Connectivity
The Prime Minister will dedicate the entire Mumbai Metro Line 3 also known as the Aqua Line to the nation. The project was completed at a total cost of over ₹37,270 crore. He will inaugurate the final Phase 2B of the line from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade. As Mumbai’s first fully underground metro line the 33.5 km route will redefine commuting for millions. It will provide seamless connectivity to key administrative and financial hubs including the Bombay High Court Reserve Bank of India and Bombay Stock Exchange.
Digital Mobility and Skill Development
During the visit Mr Modi will launch “Mumbai One” which is India’s first integrated common mobility app. This application will allow commuters to use a single digital ticket across 11 public transport operators including metro monorail suburban railways and buses. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Short Term Employability Program (STEP) a skill development initiative that will be rolled out across 400 Government ITIs and 150 Government Technical High Schools.
India UK Strategic Partnership
On October 9 Prime Minister Modi will host UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his first official visit to India. The two leaders will review the progress of the India UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with the Vision 2035 Roadmap. Both Prime Ministers will deliver keynote addresses at the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. The theme for this year’s fest is ‘Empowering Finance for a Better World’ Powered by AI Augmented Intelligence Innovation and Inclusion. The event is expected to be one of the world’s largest fintech gatherings with over 100,000 participants from more than 75 countries.
