Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the development of new greenfield airports in the Vadhavan and Virar regions to enhance connectivity and support infrastructure growth in Maharashtra. At the 93rd Board of Directors meeting of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), Fadnavis instructed officials to promptly identify suitable land for the airports and accelerate project development across the state. The proposed Vadhavan Port, expected to be the largest in Asia, is seen as a key player in the state’s economic progress, with efforts underway to integrate it seamlessly into road, rail, and air networks for efficient logistics support.
Gadchiroli district is emerging as a significant steel industry hub, prompting plans for a greenfield airport to cater to the increasing transport and logistics demands due to industrial investments. The meeting also assessed the progress of expanding and modernizing operational airports in Nanded, Sindhudurg, and Nagpur, with a detailed overview of the development of nine airports under MADC’s jurisdiction. Notable updates included the operationalization of various industries and projects at MIHAN, such as the Patanjali Ayurved project, and advancements in infrastructure like the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur, commercial complexes, and healthcare facilities.
A substantial amount of Rs 597 crore has been sanctioned for the comprehensive development of MIHAN, with Rs 297 crore already disbursed. Additionally, infrastructure enhancements in the Shivangaon and Vitthubabanagar areas have received administrative approval, signaling further progress in boosting airport infrastructure and industrial facilities to attract investments, create job opportunities, and foster balanced regional growth in Maharashtra.
