Following the historic win of the BJP in the Haryana assembly elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday asserted that his ruling alliance, Mahayuti, is prepared for both "flight and fight" in the upcoming state elections.
Speaking after witnessing the trial landing of an Indian Air Force aircraft at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport at Ulwe in adjoining Raigad district, Shinde said his government is working to commence commercial operations at the airport before the March 31, 2025, deadline.
Shinde leads a coalition government consisting of his party, Shiv Sena, along with the BJP and the NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. "Today, an Indian Air Force C295 aircraft made a successful test landing at the runway at the Navi Mumbai International Airport. We are ready for both flight and fight," Shinde told news agency PTI, referring to the anticipated announcement of state assembly elections.
Newly Constructed Navi Mumbai Airport Ranks Among Nation's Major Aviation Hubs: CM Eknath Shinde
The trial landing marked a key milestone as the C295 transport aircraft touched down on the Southern runway at 12:14 pm, with the aircraft receiving a water cannon salute. The airport, developed by the Adani Group, is expected to begin commercial operations early next year.
The chief minister stated that the newly constructed Navi Mumbai airport would have a large capacity and rank among the nation's major aviation hubs. Shinde described the facility as a huge gift to the public and emphasised that once it is put into use, traffic at the crowded Mumbai airport will significantly decrease.
He pointed out that due to the construction of the 21.8-km-long 6-lane sea bridge Atal Setu, the upcoming airport has become close to both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
The famous sea bridge, which began construction in January of this year, ends at Chirle village, close to Nhava Sheva in the Raigad district, and begins at Sewri in Navi Mumbai.