Prime Minister Modi will today inaugurate the Navi Mumbai Airport, Metro Line-3, and the 'Mumbai One' app in Mumbai. These multi-crore projects will give new momentum to the city's transport, employment, and development.
PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today begin his two-day Maharashtra tour, during which he will inaugurate several major projects for Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. These projects include the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (Navi Mumbai International Airport - NMIA), the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line-3, and India's first integrated Common Mobility App 'Mumbai One'. These three projects combined will give a new direction to Mumbai's transport infrastructure.
The Prime Minister's visit is considered extremely important not only for Mumbai but also from the perspective of the development of the entire Maharashtra. The government claims that these projects will bring about revolutionary changes in the city's connectivity, employment, and urban mobility.
Navi Mumbai Airport
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). This airport has been developed at a cost of Rs 19,650 crore under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This is India's largest greenfield airport project.
With the commencement of NMIA, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will gain a second international airport. It will work in conjunction with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to alleviate the existing air traffic congestion. With this, Mumbai will now join the ranks of select cities globally that boast a Multi-Airport System.
According to officials, the Navi Mumbai Airport will enhance the city's international connectivity, boost business investment, and generate new employment opportunities.
Balance of Environment and Technology
The construction of Navi Mumbai Airport has been carried out with modern technology and environmental responsibility in mind. Its design is energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Green building principles were adopted during construction to maintain a balance between development and nature.
This airport will provide a new impetus to economic and industrial activities in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and surrounding areas. This will accelerate regional development and further strengthen Mumbai's global image.
Mumbai Metro Line-3
Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the second phase of Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) today, which extends from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade. This phase has been constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 12,200 crore. With this, the entire Metro Line-3, with a total cost exceeding Rs 37,270 crore, will be dedicated to the nation.
This underground metro line will connect the most congested areas of South Mumbai and provide relief from traffic congestion. Once fully operational, millions of commuters will benefit from it daily. This will reduce the number of vehicles on the road and decrease pollution.
The government states that Metro Line-3, while giving a new direction to Mumbai's urban transport, will also make the city's economic activities more convenient.
'Mumbai One' App
Prime Minister Modi will also launch 'Mumbai One', India's first integrated Common Mobility App, today. This app will connect 11 public transport operators on a single platform.
With the help of the 'Mumbai One' app, passengers will get facilities like mobile ticketing, digital payment, real-time updates, and multi-modal connectivity on a single platform. This app is a crucial step towards making Mumbai's urban commute completely digital and simpler.
According to the Prime Minister, this initiative will realize the concept of 'One City, One Ticket', making integrated ticketing possible for services like metro, bus, and local trains.
New Initiative for Youth
Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the Short-Term Employment Programme (STEP) in Maharashtra today. This program is a major initiative of the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, aiming to train youth according to industry requirements.
The STEP program will be launched in 400 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 150 technical high schools across the state. Under this program, youth will be provided employment-oriented training, which will increase their chances of getting a job.
The Prime Minister has stated that "skill development and employment generation are the two best pillars of a self-reliant India."
Strict Security Arrangements
In view of the Prime Minister's visit, security arrangements have been tightened in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Along with the local police, the Special Protection Group (SPG), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS), and Traffic Police have also been deployed. The highest security standards have been adopted at all event venues to ensure the program concludes peacefully.
