Mumbai, (The Hindu): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the new airport at Navi Mumbai will be ready for operations in 2021.

During the Question Hour in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, Mr. Fadnavis said orders for pre-development work have been issued and the project is on course for completion in 2021.

Mr. Fadnavis said his government would try to meet the demand to provide jobs to locals at the airport. He informed the House that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has received 17 bids for the 22-km-long Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, which will give direct access to the Navi Mumbai airport and and exit towards Pune and south India.

Mr. Fadnavis said, “A Metro line will connect the old airport in Mumbai to the new airport in Navi Mumbai, which will improve connectivity.” He added that the runway of the domestic airport is being extended. “The Airports Authority of India is mulling extending the runway into the sea to accommodate additional passenger traffic.” Last month, the Maharashtra government set aside 250 acres of reserved forest land for the development of the Navi Mumbai international airport.

Mr. Fadnavis also said that he will consider taking action against officials responsible for delaying the declaration of Mumbai University results. He said the results will be declared by August 5.