Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 10: The Maharashtra government is considering Virar as a potential site for Mumbai’s proposed third airport, in addition to the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. While Palghar had earlier been announced as the location, the state government has now initiated a comparative study to determine whether Virar or Palghar would be more suitable for the project.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that expert inputs have been sought before taking a final decision. Addressing a public rally in Nalasopara ahead of the civic elections, he said the study would assess both locations with a focus on long-term development prospects.

“If the airport comes up at Virar, it can be directly connected to the proposed Vadhavan Port through the Coastal Road, making travel easier. If the report favours Palghar, the government will ensure better connectivity between Vasai-Virar, the airport and the port,” Fadnavis said.

The Chief Minister is keen to expedite the project, which has already received approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proposed airport is part of a larger vision to create an integrated development hub, often referred to as a ‘third Mumbai’, encompassing Palghar and the Vasai-Virar region. The plan is anchored by major infrastructure projects, including a port, an airport and a bullet train corridor.

Emphasising development in the region, Fadnavis promised significant changes and urged voters to support progress and performance in the upcoming civic polls. He also made a veiled attack on the Bhaujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), which has been in power at the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC).

The VVMC comprises 115 elected members across 29 wards, with 58 seats reserved for women. The civic body elections are expected to play a key role in shaping the region’s future development agenda.