Navi Mumbai prepares for PM Modi’s visit, for ceremony to start airport construction

Modi to go to satellite city on Sunday for the ground-breaking ceremony of the international airport; traffic diversions in place

Massive arrangements are being made in Navi Mumbai for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on Sunday. Modi is visiting the city for the ground-breaking ceremony of Navi Mumbai international airport at Ulwe and the inauguration of JNPT’s fourth terminal.

A helipad has been built for the PM’s helicopter to land in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, February 18. (Bachchan Kumar/HT)

A huge mandap, with a seating capacity for 20,000 people and 500 VIPs, has been set up for the event; the dais itself will be 80x32 feet. Entry into this area has already been banned. A 50-feet screen has also been installed to help people see the event better.

On Friday afternoon, Indian Air Force officials inspected the helipad that has been built for Modi’s helicopter to land and tested the site by landing their own chopper. Air Force personnel were also seen inspecting the neighbouring area.

Panvel tehsildar Deepak Akde and senior Navi Mumbai police officials and commandos also inspected the helipad and the public meeting space.

“A special team from Delhi is camping in the area. GVK, which will construct the airport, has deployed personnel, too, for the programme,” said Mohan Ninawe, chief public relations officer of CIDCO.

Ninawe said CIDCO officials are busy with various arrangements to ensure that nothing is left to chance. “We have made elaborate plans for parking, and we are coordinating with the traffic police and the RTO department for traffic movement.”

Nitin Pawar, deputy commissioner of police (traffic), said: “We have specified the entry ban and diversion of heavy and very heavy vehicles. The diversions will be in force on Sunday, from 6am to 9pm. We appeal to everyone to cooperate as the prime minister will be visiting the city along with a host of dignitaries.”