Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Maharashtra from October 8–9, during which he will inaugurate key infrastructure projects, including the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), and host UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Mumbai for bilateral engagements.
Major inaugurations in Navi Mumbai and Mumbai
On October 8, PM Modi will arrive in Navi Mumbai and conduct a walkthrough of the newly built Navi Mumbai International Airport around 3 PM, followed by its inauguration at 3:30 PM. Developed at a cost of Rs 19,650 crore, NMIA is India’s largest greenfield airport project under a public–private partnership model.
The airport is designed to eventually handle 90 million passengers annually and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo, easing congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). It will feature an Automated People Mover (APM) system connecting all terminals, dedicated facilities for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), 47 MW solar power generation, and EV bus connectivity. NMIA will also become India’s first airport connected by water taxi.
PM Modi will also inaugurate Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3, completing the 33.5 km fully underground Aqua Line from Cuffe Parade to Aarey at a total cost of Rs 37,270 crore. This marks Mumbai’s first fully underground metro network, expected to serve 13 lakh commuters daily, with key access to South Mumbai’s business and heritage hubs, including the RBI, BSE, Bombay High Court, and Mantralaya.
The Prime Minister will launch “Mumbai One”, an integrated mobility app connecting 11 public transport operators, including Metro, Monorail, Suburban Rail, and BEST buses. The app enables digital ticketing, real-time updates, and a single dynamic ticket system for multi-modal travel.
Additionally, PM Modi will unveil the Short-Term Employability Program (STEP), a major skill development initiative across 400 ITIs and 150 technical schools in Maharashtra. The program includes 2,500 training batches, focusing on emerging technologies like AI, IoT, EVs, Solar, and Additive Manufacturing, with special batches for women.
India–UK bilateral talks and Global Fintech Fest
On October 9, Prime Minister Modi will host UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Mumbai, Starmer’s first official visit to India since assuming office. The two leaders will review progress under the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ‘Vision 2035’ Roadmap, focusing on trade, innovation, defence, energy, health, and education.
Both leaders will attend the CEO Forum at Jio World Centre at 1:40 PM, followed by participation in the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) at 2:45 PM, where they will deliver keynote addresses.
The Global Fintech Fest 2025, themed “Empowering Finance for a Better World – Powered by AI, Augmented Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion”, is expected to draw over 100,000 participants from 75 countries, including 7,500 companies, 800 speakers, and 70 regulators. Global regulators such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Deutsche Bundesbank, Banque de France, and FINMA (Switzerland) are among the attendees.
The event will spotlight India’s growing leadership in fintech innovation and its strengthening global financial ties.
