Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde on Friday announced that his ruling alliance Mahayuti is prepared for both “flight” as an IAF aircraft successfully landed at Navi Mumbai airport and “fight” in the upcoming state polls.
Speaking to reporters after witnessing an IAF aircraft’s trial landing at the forthcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport in Ulwe, Raigad district, he stated that his administration is working to commence commercial operations at the airport before the official deadline of March 31, 2025.
“We are ready for the flight as well as for the fight. We do what we say, we don’t say what won’t happen, let’s see what happens in future. Our work is done quickly. We started Ladli Behan Yojana and now money goes to the accounts of sisters quickly. Navi Mumbai Airport will prove to be a boon for the people. Today C-295 successfully landed at Navi Mumbai Airport. The Airport will be named Loknete DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport,” Shinde said.
Shinde heads a three-party coalition government consisting of his Shiv Sena faction, the BJP, and the NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The chief minister emphasized that the greenfield Navi Mumbai airport will be a high-capacity facility and will rank among the country’s major aviation hubs. He described the airport as a significant gift to the people, noting that once operational, it will substantially alleviate congestion at the bustling Mumbai airport. Shinde also highlighted that the construction of the 21.8-km-long 6-lane sea bridge, Atal Setu, has made the upcoming airport easily accessible from both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Meanwhile, deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, who was also there at the event, claimed that when the airport work started, the opposition leaders were asking a lot of questions. “They said that such announcements are made a lot, there will be no airport, but today there was a safe landing and commercial flights will start as soon…” he added.
Earlier this week, the BJP achieved a remarkable victory in Haryana, securing 48 out of 90 assembly seats, overcoming a decade of anti-incumbency to secure a third consecutive term. The 288-member Maharashtra assembly elections are expected to take place next month.