Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Navi Mumbai International Airport. The Rs 16,700 crore worth Navi Mumbai airport has been a 21-year-old dream for the megapolis.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present at the event.
Planned in 1997, as a secondary airport to meet the growing needs of Mumbai at an investment of Rs 3,000 crore, the project was inordinately delayed due to a myriad of factors, including political indecision, issues of environmental clearances and the funding.
Admitting that the international airport project has been stalled for years, he said that it was important for his government to complete projects within a “desired time frame”.
For our government, as important as new projects are completing the ongoing projects within the desired time frame. Delayed projects cause several problem.PM Narendra Modi
Issue of Navi Mumbai airport has been pending for years. However, this is not the only project that is pending. When I assumed office, I realised there were several such projects. That is why we began a Pragati initiative and gave priority to completion of projects.PM Narendra Modi
The prime minister also credited his government for bringing in an aviation policy that he believed was “transforming the sector”.
Shiv Sena Ignored
Shiv Sena legislators from Raigad district on 18 February claimed that the BJP-led Maharashtra government deliberately did not invite local MP and MLA of the Sena for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Local Sena MLA Manoj Bhoir alleged that he and member of Parliament from Maval, Shrirang Barne, were deliberately not invited for the function.
“It is a state-organised event, taking place at the hands of PM Modi. The airport is located in Raigad district, in my constituency. Our MP, Shrirang Barne, represents the same area in the Lok Sabha, and yet, we both were not invited, which is a violation of protocol.MLA Manoj Bhoir
"This is an insult to people's representatives....I condemn this act of the BJP-led government, as it has insulted the people of Uran Assembly constituency which I represent," Bhoir said.
A Shiv Sena spokesperson said that none of its ministers or legislators were attending the groundbreaking ceremony.
Though the BJP and Sena are partners in the state as well as in the NDA government at the Centre, relations between the two are strained.
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