RJ Kesari News Desk: The proposed airport will be built on reclaimed land in the Arabian Sea near Palghar district in Maharashtra. Estimated to cost around ₹45,000 crore, the mega project is expected to handle up to 90 million passengers annually, making it one of the country's largest aviation hubs.

What Is an Offshore Airport?

Unlike conventional airports built on land, an offshore airport is constructed on an artificial island created in the sea through land reclamation. Countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea have successfully developed offshore airports, and India is now preparing to join this exclusive list.

India's First Offshore Airport to Be Built in Palghar

The proposed airport will be developed near Kore Beach in Palghar district, off the coast of the Arabian Sea. The project aims to reduce congestion at Mumbai's existing airports while meeting the region's growing air travel demand over the coming decades.

Project Cost Estimated at ₹45,000 Crore

According to media reports, the total project cost is expected to be around ₹45,000 crore.

• Around ₹25,000 crore will be spent on creating reclaimed land in the sea.
• The remaining investment will be used to build the airport terminal, runways, cargo facilities, and supporting infrastructure.

Maharashtra Government to Lead the Project

The airport will be developed by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC). The state government has directed officials to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also asked authorities to examine the feasibility of extending the Uttan–Virar Sea Link to provide seamless connectivity to the proposed airport.

Designed to Handle 90 Million Passengers Every Year

The offshore airport is planned with an annual passenger handling capacity of 90 million (9 crore). Once completed, it is is expected to become one of western India's largest and busiest aviation hubs, capable of supporting future growth in domestic and international air traffic.

Direct Connectivity with Wadhawan Port

The airport will serve not only passenger traffic but also function as a major air cargo hub. It will be integrated with the upcoming Wadhawan Deep Sea Port, creating a multimodal logistics network that combines sea and air transportation for faster movement of goods.

Major Boost for Regional Development

Industry experts believe the project will significantly boost the economy of Palghar and surrounding regions by encouraging growth in:

• Logistics and warehousing
• Tourism and hospitality
• Real estate development
• Industrial investment
• Employment generation during both construction and operations

Project Still in the Planning Stage

The offshore airport project is currently in the planning and DPR preparation phase. Construction will begin only after obtaining all required environmental clearances and statutory approvals.

If completed as planned, India will join a select group of countries that operate modern offshore airports built over the sea, marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation and infrastructure development.