Nashik Airport Expansion: 'Ordinary People Gradually Benefit From Air Travel,' Says Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing the gathering at the bhoomipujan ceremony for the expansion of the new terminal at Ozar Airport, said that airports were once perceived as a luxury meant only for the wealthy. He noted that this mindset has changed over the past few years due to the Prime Minister’s push to expand air connectivity across the country, enabling not just industry and trade but also ordinary citizens to benefit from affordable air travel.

He said, "Earlier, it was believed that airports were a luxury or that they were built only for a select few wealthy people. That was the common perception. However, in the past few years, the way the Prime Minister of the country has expanded air services across the nation has allowed not just the industry and trade, but also ordinary people, to gradually benefit from air travel."

Nashik, Maharashtra: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis says, "Earlier, it was believed that airports were a luxury or that they were built only for a select few wealthy people. That was the common perception. However, in the past few years, the way the Prime Minister of the… pic.twitter.com/u0JKEN93K0

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The airport expansion is being undertaken with a focus on the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, during which Nashik is expected to witness a massive influx of pilgrims and visitors. The project aims to significantly enhance passenger-handling capacity and infrastructure to efficiently manage the anticipated surge in air traffic during the religious congregation.

Once expanded, the airport is expected to serve as a major growth catalyst for industrial clusters across North Maharashtra, including Ambad, Satpur, Sinnar, Malegaon, Igatpuri, Dhule MIDC, Jalgaon MIDC, Bhusawal, Chalisgaon, Manmad, and Nandurbar. Improved cargo facilities, higher operational capacity, and modern logistics infrastructure will allow industries in the region to connect directly with global markets.

The enhanced infrastructure is expected to give a strong boost to key sectors such as jewellery, textiles, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Officials said the development would also generate large-scale direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly for local youth, thereby strengthening the regional economy.

Nashik district, which is globally recognised for the export of grapes, onions, pomegranates, and processed agricultural products, is set to gain significantly from the upgrade. The addition of modern cold-chain systems and faster air cargo services will improve the efficiency and competitiveness of agricultural exports, directly benefiting farmers, exporters, agro-based industries, and the rural economy, while reinforcing Nashik’s position as a major agri-export hub.

The airport’s strategic importance will be especially critical during the Kumbh Mela, as it will help manage sudden spikes in passenger movement, facilitate emergency medical services and air ambulance operations, and ensure the swift deployment of security forces. It will also support disaster management efforts and administrative coordination, contributing to a well-organised, secure, and globally benchmarked religious event and enhancing Nashik’s stature as an international spiritual tourism destination.

The expansion project has been awarded to an experienced construction agency that had earlier completed the Nashik Airport within a record 11 months and has developed six airports across the country. The agency has expressed confidence that the new terminal expansion will also be completed within a similar 11-month timeframe.