Mumbai, Oct 7 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Maharashtra for a two-day visit from October 8 to 9. During this period, he is set to inaugurate the Navi Mumbai International Airport, launch and dedicate multiple projects in Mumbai, and welcome UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

On October 8, the Prime Minister will land in Navi Mumbai around 3 p.m. and will begin with a tour of the newly constructed Navi Mumbai International Airport. Following this, at approximately 3:30 p.m., he will officially inaugurate the airport and unveil various projects in Mumbai, addressing the attendees at the event.

On October 9, PM Modi will host the UK Prime Minister in Mumbai. At about 1:40 p.m., both leaders will participate in the CEO Forum at Jio World Centre, Mumbai. Subsequently, around 2:45 p.m., they will join the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest and deliver keynote speeches.

Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is being inaugurated by PM Modi, which has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 19,650 crore to align with his vision of establishing India as a global aviation hub.

The NMIA, recognized as India’s largest Greenfield airport project, operates under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP). This second international airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region aims to alleviate congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and position Mumbai among global multi-airport systems. With a sprawling area of 1160 Ha, the airport is designed to accommodate 90 million passengers annually and handle 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo.

Notably, the airport will feature an Automated People Mover (APM) system to connect the four passenger terminals for efficient inter-terminal transfers, alongside a landside APM for city-side connectivity. In a commitment to sustainability, the airport will integrate dedicated storage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), generate approximately 47 MW of solar power, and provide EV bus services for public transport throughout the city. Additionally, NMIA will be the first airport in India with a connection to Water Taxi.

Furthermore, PM Modi will inaugurate Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3, running from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, which has been constructed at a cost of around Rs 12,200 crore. This will mark the dedication of the entire Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) to the nation, built at a total investment exceeding Rs 37,270 crore. As the first and only fully underground metro line in Mumbai, this project promises to revolutionize urban transport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), providing a modern, efficient transit solution for millions of commuters.

The concluding Phase 2B will enhance connectivity to South Mumbai’s cultural heritage areas, including Fort, Kala Ghoda, and Marine Drive, along with access to vital administrative and financial centers, such as the Bombay High Court, Mantralaya, and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The Metro Line-3 is engineered to integrate seamlessly with other transport modes, improving last-mile connectivity and alleviating congestion in the metropolitan area.

PM Modi will also launch the 'Mumbai One' Integrated Common Mobility App for 11 public transport operators, including Mumbai Metro, Monorail, and various suburban railways. The app offers a multitude of benefits like integrated mobile ticketing, eliminating the need to queue by promoting digital transactions, and providing real-time journey updates on delays and alternate routes.

Additionally, the Prime Minister will introduce the Short-Term Employability Program (STEP), a groundbreaking initiative by the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation in Maharashtra, set to launch across 400 Government ITIs and 150 Government Technical High Schools. This program aims to align skill development with industry demands, establishing 2,500 new training batches.

On October 9, PM Modi will host UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, marking Starmer’s inaugural official visit to India. During their meeting, the two leaders will review the advancements in the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as part of 'Vision 2035', which outlines a focused 10-year roadmap for trade, technology, defence, climate, health, education, and more.

Both Prime Ministers will engage with business leaders regarding opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and discuss regional and global issues. They will also participate in the Global Fintech Fest and share keynote insights.

The Global Fintech Fest 2025 is expected to attract over 100,000 participants from more than 75 countries, establishing itself as one of the largest fintech gatherings globally. The central theme, 'Empowering Finance for a Better World,' emphasizes the integration of technology and ethics in crafting a sustainable financial future.

This year's event will feature around 7,500 companies, 800 speakers, and participation from major international regulators, underscoring the forum's significance in global financial policy dialogue.