Ganesh Naik: “NMIA Airport Inauguration Postponed, D.B. Patil Naming Assured
Published 23 Sep 2025, 8:05 PM IST
Key Points
- Inauguration Postponed: Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said the Navi Mumbai International Airport will not open on Sept 30, 2025, as planned.
- D.B. Patil Naming: Ganesh Naik assured the public that the airport will carry the name “D.B. Patil International Airport,” only the central government’s final approval is pending.
- Strong Local Demand: From Agri-Koli communities to the All-Party Action Committee, everyone has been demanding the airport be named after D.B. Patil.
- State Resolution: The Maharashtra assembly has already passed a resolution for D.B. Patil’s name.
What it means for Navi Mumbai
The delay in the airport’s grand opening is a small setback, but Ganesh Naik’s statement gave a big boost to local pride. For Navi Mumbaikars, especially the project-affected families, this naming is about respect and justice.
D.B. Patil fought for the farmers and villagers who gave up their land. Naming the airport after him is not just symbolic, it’s a way of telling Navi Mumbai’s people, “Your sacrifices are not forgotten.” When the airport finally opens, it will not just connect Navi Mumbai to the world, it will also carry the identity and history of this land.
Main News
On September 23, Ganesh Naik spoke to the media and confirmed what many were already concerned about, the airport inauguration will not happen on September 30. But what grabbed everyone’s attention was his confident assurance that the airport will definitely be named after D.B. Patil.
For days, there had been tension in Navi Mumbai. Local leaders, including the powerful Agri-Koli groups, had warned of protests if the naming issue was ignored. Posters, rallies, and ultimatums had set the stage for a political showdown. Everyone was waiting for the September 30 deadline.
