Cidco Initiates Feasibility Study for Third Runway at Navi Mumbai International Airport
In response to the escalating air traffic within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) has taken a proactive step by appointing a joint venture comprising RITES Ltd and Creative Group LLP. This partnership is tasked with conducting a comprehensive techno-commercial feasibility study for the development of a third runway at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
Study Details and Key Objectives
The feasibility study is scheduled for completion within a six-month timeframe. It will meticulously evaluate multiple critical aspects, including the technical, operational, environmental, and financial viability of expanding runway capacity at NMIA. This initiative underscores Cidco's commitment to future-ready infrastructure planning.
A pivotal review meeting was convened on Wednesday, chaired by Vijay Singhal, the vice-chairman and managing director of Cidco. The meeting focused on discussing the essential elements of this assignment. Senior officials from Cidco in attendance included Geetha Pillai, chief general manager of transport and aviation, and Bindhu Murlidharan, additional chief transportation engineer. Representing RITES was Anil Aswani, general manager of the airport division, while Creative Group was represented by Gurpreet Singh Shah, managing director and partner.
Strategic Vision for NMIA
Vijay Singhal emphasized the strategic importance of this move, stating, "Navi Mumbai International Airport has been envisioned as a world-class aviation hub to meet the long-term needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With air traffic expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, it is imperative to plan ahead. The appointment of the consultant for this feasibility study reflects Cidco's proactive approach towards future-ready infrastructure. The proposed third runway will be a crucial step in enhancing capacity, efficiency and positioning NMIA as a key global gateway."
Cidco reiterated that NMIA is being developed as a long-term, world-class aviation hub, with forward planning deemed essential due to anticipated sharp increases in demand over the coming decades. The proposed third runway aims to strengthen capacity, improve operational efficiency, and reinforce NMIA's role as a major global gateway for the region.
NMIA's Role and Development Plans
NMIA serves as the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, operating in a dual-airport system alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It stands as one of India's largest greenfield airport developments, with ambitious plans to handle 90 million passengers per annum and 3.2 million tonnes of cargo annually at full build-out.
The airport spans approximately 1,160 hectares and is designed with two parallel independent runways that enable simultaneous operations. This infrastructure is supported by four terminals, which are set to be developed in phases over the next decade.
Future Demand and Expansion Considerations
With the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's population exceeding 20 million, combined passenger demand is projected to reach about 150 million per annum by 2040. This aligns with the planned capacities of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 60 million and NMIA at 90 million. Longer-range forecasts indicate that demand could surge to around 240 million passengers per annum by 2047 to 2050.
While a third airport is proposed at Vadhavan, Cidco is also exploring expansion opportunities at NMIA to meet these future requirements effectively.
Expertise of the Appointed Consultants
RITES, a Navratna and Schedule 'A' central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, brings extensive experience in transport infrastructure consultancy. This includes expertise in greenfield airport planning, demand assessment, and system design, making it a valuable partner in this feasibility study.
