Maharashtra Budget 2025: Third Airport for Mumbai, Night Landing at Shirdi Announced
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar unveiled the state budget for 2025-26 on Monday, proposing a third airport for Mumbai near Vadhvan Port and night landing facilities at Shirdi Airport. The first budget of the Mahayuti government aims to boost infrastructure and employment, targeting 50 lakh new jobs over five years. Mumbai’s economy is projected to grow from $140 billion to $300 billion, Pawar announced.
A new airport near Vadhvan Port is set to be operational by 2030, enhancing Mumbai’s aviation capacity. It will also house a Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train station. This marks a significant step in the state’s infrastructure expansion plans.
Pawar confirmed that Shirdi Airport, a key pilgrimage hub, will soon feature night landing capabilities. “The facility will be operational shortly, improving access for devotees,” he said during his budget speech. Development projects worth Rs 1,367 crore are underway.
Domestic flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport will begin next month, with 85% of construction completed. Successful trial runs have been conducted, Pawar noted. A metro link will connect it to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
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The budget includes plans to build 1,500 km of new roads and upgrade 7,000 km of existing roads to cement surfaces. This aims to improve connectivity across Maharashtra. The initiative supports the state’s broader growth agenda.
Pawar highlighted MoUs worth Rs 15.72 lakh crore signed with 56 companies at Davos. “We aim to generate 50 lakh new employment opportunities over the next five years,” he stated. The focus is on making Maharashtra an economic powerhouse.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region is being positioned as a growth hub, targeting a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047. “Mumbai alone will drive massive economic progress,” Pawar said. The budget aligns with this long-term vision.
The budget’s implementation will be closely watched, especially the timelines for the third airport and job creation targets. Further details on funding and project progress are expected in the coming months. The Mahayuti government faces the task of balancing promises with fiscal discipline.
