A pre-feasibility study for a greenfield airport near the Vadhavan Port project has commenced, aiming to transform the area into a key logistics and maritime hub in India.
The Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd (MADC), supported by the Government of Maharashtra, has initiated a pre-feasibility study for a new greenfield airport near the forthcoming Vadhavan Port project. Officials familiar with the development expect a final report within six to nine months, with the study being conducted by a joint venture between Grant Thornton and Nippon Koei India.
This proposed Vadhavan Airport, strategically located to serve the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar, is expected to become a pivotal part of India’s logistics and maritime infrastructure. Together with the port, the airport aims to form an essential component of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which is intended to enhance India’s container handling capacity by 23.2 million TEUs, aspiring to elevate the country as a dominant player in global maritime trade.
The Vadhavan Airport will provide crucial air connectivity for cargo and passengers, particularly facilitating transport to and from nearby industrial and warehousing clusters, including Bhiwandi. By integrating rail, road, and air transport infrastructures, the port and airport will create a comprehensive multimodal logistics ecosystem.
Preparatory work for the pre-feasibility study, including site visits, has already been completed. The study, managed by Grant Thornton and Nippon Koei India, will assess the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of developing the proposed airport. The results will guide MADC and the government on future development steps, ensuring alignment with Maharashtra’s broader infrastructure strategy.
The establishment of the Vadhavan Airport is poised to alleviate congestion at Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the under-construction Navi Mumbai Airport. It is also expected to spur economic growth in Palghar by facilitating better connectivity and development opportunities.
This initiative is part of Maharashtra’s ambitious vision to transform the state into a hub of logistics, transport, and international commerce. With planned rail and road linkages connecting the Vadhavan Port and surrounding areas, the airport will play a critical role in a synchronized logistics framework that enhances the efficiency of moving goods and passengers. It supports India’s national logistics policy, which is focused on creating a more robust, integrated, and globally competitive supply chain.
The greenfield airport initiative embodies India’s commitment to sustainable and future-ready infrastructure development. As it aligns closely with the IMEC and regional warehousing hubs, the project becomes a vital part of the country’s long-term trade goals. Additionally, by expanding development beyond congested urban centers, the Vadhavan Airport is set to foster jobs, connectivity, and inclusive growth in Palghar and neighboring areas.
This report was based on details from an article by Aviation A2Z.
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