Navi Mumbai: In a recent update, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) was described as a transformative step for India’s aviation sector. Designed with world-class infrastructure and multimodal integration, NMIA will not only ease congestion from Mumbai’s current airport but also open new corridors for growth and travel across the state.

40-minute access from South Mumbai via the newly opened Atal Setu.

Direct connectivity from Thane, Dadar, Vashi, and Panvel.

Just 2 hours from Pune and Lonavala through the expressway, supported by shuttle services.

Easy access from Nashik, Aurangabad, and the Konkan region.

Future-ready integration with metro networks and other multimodal transport systems. With this advanced connectivity plan, NMIA is poised to become a crucial hub not just for Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, but also for the broader state of Maharashtra and western India. As Maharashtra writes a new chapter in Indian aviation, Navi Mumbai International Airport stands as a symbol of progress, accessibility, and growth for the region.

A mega feat of planning and engineering for India’s busiest skies, Navi Mumbai International Airport is taking shape in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, over a vast area of 1,160 hectares.

According to data shared by the airport authorities, Phase 1 of the project is expected to handle 20 million passengers annually. Once fully completed across four phases, the airport will have the capacity to serve up to 90 million passengers, featuring two world-class parallel runways designed to meet future demands.

In other news of Navi Mumbai International Airport, the upcoming facility is set to break away from the traditional concept of airport food courts. Instead, it will feature a specially curated food hall designed to offer passengers a taste of Mumbai through unique and regionally inspired meals.

Additionally, in a first-of-its-kind initiative, passengers will be able to book sightseeing tours to Lonavala and nearby destinations before boarding their flights. As construction nears completion, with the inauguration targeted for late August, operator Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (NMIAL), a joint venture between Adani Airports Holding Ltd (AAHL) and CIDCO, is actively working on multiple initiatives to elevate the travel experience at Maharashtra’s second city airport.

Following India’s emphatic 9-wicket victory over UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener, all-rounder Shivam Dube addressed the media at the post-match press conference, where he reflected on the match and also spoke warmly about fellow all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Dube, who played a key role with the ball in dismantling the UAE batting lineup, was asked about frequent comparisons drawn between him and Hardik Pandya. In response, Dube dismissed any notion of rivalry, instead emphasizing admiration and respect for Pandya’s experience.

“Hardik is like a brother from whom I tend to learn a lot,” Dube said. “He has way more experience than me, both in the IPL and international cricket.” He further added that comparisons between the two don’t cross his mind. “Comparison, I never thought of, as my only endeavour is to learn as much as I can from his vast experience,” Dube stated.

Dube’s mature response highlighted his humility and team-first mindset, even as he continues to grow in stature as a reliable all-rounder for India. With performances like the one against UAE, where he took 3 wickets and bowled with discipline, Dube is steadily carving a place for himself in India’s T20 setup, while remaining grounded and focused on learning from senior players like Pandya.

India’s win over UAE not only marked a dominant start to their Asia Cup campaign but also showcased the depth in their squad, with players like Dube stepping up and contributing significantly.

India created history in their Asia Cup 2025 opener by recording their fastest win in T20I cricket. Chasing a modest target of 58 set by UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India completed the chase in just 4.3 overs, finishing with an astonishing 93 balls to spare. The victory showcased India’s dominance and aggressive approach in the shortest format.

The Indian batting lineup displayed clinical execution, combining fearless stroke play with sharp running between the wickets. Every batter contributed to maintaining a relentless pace, leaving the UAE bowlers struggling to make an impact. The win also highlighted India’s depth in batting, as the team efficiently chased even a low-pressure target.

This historic performance surpassed India’s previous record for the largest T20I win in terms of balls remaining, which was achieved on November 5, 2021, against Scotland, when India had 81 balls to spare. By breaking this record, India set a new benchmark for efficiency and dominance in T20I cricket.

India’s explosive start in the Asia Cup sends a clear message to their rivals, demonstrating their ability to chase any target with precision and intent. The team’s combination of aggression, timing, and strategic running makes them a formidable side in the ongoing tournament.

Mumbai: The road concretisation project, which was temporarily suspended during the four-month monsoon season, is set to resume next month. The BMC will first prioritise the completion of 574 roads, spanning 156.74 km, which were partially completed and secured before the onset of rains. In addition to these, 776 new roads, covering approximately 208.70 km, will also be taken up for concretisation in the upcoming phase.

So far, 49% of the total roads taken up under the BMC’s concretisation project have been completed, with nearly 64% completion recorded in the second phase.

As per civic data, over 771 roads covering 186 km have been fully completed, while 547 roads spanning 156.74 km remain partially completed. The concretisation work was halted after May 31 due to the onset of the monsoon. However, the work is now scheduled to resume from October 1, a senior civic official confirmed.

“To minimise disruption for citizens, we will carry out the road concretisation work in phases. Simultaneously, roads where work has not yet commenced will also be taken up,” according to an official.

Phase I of the project is targeted for completion by May 2026, while Phase II is expected to witness substantial progress, with full execution likely by the first half of 2027.

Meanwhile, following public criticism over road concretisation work in certain areas, the BMC has launched a public dashboard to enhance transparency and accountability.

The portal allows citizens to track the status of the concretisation project, providing key details such as the contractor’s name, start and expected completion dates, and other relevant information for each road earmarked for concretisation.