Welfare programmes organised to mark former mayor Sagar Naik’s birthday.

The Distribution

Various public service and welfare programmes were organised in Airoli to mark the birthday of former Navi Mumbai mayor and NMMC House Leader Sagar Naik.

The programmes were held under the guidance of Republican Party of India (Athawale) Navi Mumbai president Siddharam Ohar. NMMC Transport Committee member Yashpal Siddharam Ohar organised the events with the support of RPI (Athawale) Airoli Assembly president Pratik Jadhav. During the programme, NCMC (National Common Mobility) smart cards were distributed to citizens and passengers. Free transport bus passes were also provided to eligible beneficiaries through the NMMC transport department.

As part of the social welfare initiative, fruits were distributed to patients at Rajmata Jijau Mata Bal Hospital in Airoli Sector 3. Several senior party office-bearers, workers and local residents attended the events. Citizens and dignitaries appreciated the initiative and extended birthday wishes to Sagar Naik.

Speaking on the occasion, party members said the free bus pass scheme would help provide affordable transport facilities to eligible residents. They also praised Sagar Naik’s contribution to the development of Navi Mumbai and wished him continued success.

Citizens urged to avoid wastage, action planned against vehicles washed with drinking water.

The Water Cut

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has cancelled the water cuts imposed in the city following an improvement in water storage at Morbe Dam. The decision was discussed at a meeting held at the NMMC headquarters under the chairmanship of Water Supply and Sewerage Committee Chairman Ravikant Patil.

While the cancellation brings relief to residents, Patil urged citizens to continue using water responsibly. He said rainfall remains unpredictable and stressed that conserving water is essential to avoid shortages in the future. The decision is also expected to benefit residents during the ongoing Ganesh festival.

The meeting also focused on pending works under the condominium system. Patil directed the administration to speed up the process and instructed officials to address the water shortage issue in Ghansoli on priority.

In another important decision, the use of treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) was made mandatory for construction activities. The administration was also directed to take action against vehicles being washed with drinking water. A special drive will be conducted to curb such misuse. During the meeting, Patil felicitated Additional City Engineer Madan Wakchawade with a bouquet in recognition of the efficient functioning of the water supply department.

New landing-charge incentives aim to attract more international airlines and routes to NMIA.

The Concession

International air travel from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) could become more affordable as authorities introduce incentives aimed at attracting more international airlines and routes.

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has approved a revised tariff plan offering significant concessions on landing charges for airlines that launch new international services from NMIA. Under the plan, airlines starting new international passenger routes will receive a 100% waiver on landing charges during the first year. For routes covering up to 5,000 km, a 50% concession will be available in the second year.

For international routes longer than 5,000 km, airlines will receive a 50% discount in the second year and 25% in the third year. Airlines increasing flight frequency on existing international routes can also receive concessions of up to 75% on landing charges. The incentives extend to international cargo operations as well. Freighter airlines will receive a 90% waiver in the first year and a 50% concession in the second year.

Officials expect the scheme to encourage airlines to introduce more international flights from Navi Mumbai, giving passengers greater choice and potentially helping bring down airfares through increased competition. NMIA is being developed as a major aviation hub, with an initial annual capacity of around 20 million passengers and a planned eventual capacity of up to 90 million passengers.