As the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport draws closer, a major announcement has brought both relief and celebration across Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the state government has sent a formal proposal to the Centre, requesting that the airport be named after Loknete D. B. Patil — a revered leader known for his relentless advocacy for project-affected people, especially in Navi Mumbai.
The move comes after decades of persistent demands by local residents, most notably the Agri-Koli community, who have strongly associated the development of Navi Mumbai with Patil’s vision and leadership. Over the years, protests and movements had gained momentum, with many warning that the airport would not be allowed to operate unless it bore his name.
This decision marks a significant political and emotional milestone. For many in the region, it is not just about the name of an airport, but the long-overdue acknowledgment of a leader who stood up for displaced families and ensured they were heard during the planning and expansion phases of the Navi Mumbai project.
Chief Minister Fadnavis’s announcement has received cross-party and community support, and sources indicate that both the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Government of India are aligned with the proposal. With approvals in progress, the naming of D. B. Patil International Airport now enters its final stage — just ahead of the official launch of operations.
Once operational, the airport is expected to ease the load on Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and become a vital gateway for international and domestic travel. Naming it after D. B. Patil ensures that his legacy will remain etched not only in the memories of the people he served, but also in the infrastructure of the state he helped shape.
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