Navi Mumbai Airport to Be Named After Loknete DB Patil

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the Navi Mumbai International Airport will be officially named Loknete DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport, fulfilling a long-standing demand from residents of Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas. The decision was confirmed during a high-level meeting chaired by Fadnavis at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai on October 3.

The proposal to honor the late Loknete Dinkar Balu Patil, who championed farmers' rights and regional development, has been approved by the State Cabinet and both Houses of the State Legislature. The matter has also received a positive response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that the Central Government is finalizing a policy for naming major infrastructure projects, including airports. The state-approved proposal will guide the official naming once the framework is implemented.

Calling it a "moment of justice," Fadnavis said the move recognizes the public's sentiment and Patil's enduring contribution to Navi Mumbai's growth. In addition, all pending police cases related to protests demanding the airport's renaming, including those filed during the COVID-19 period, will be withdrawn to ensure youth are not denied employment opportunities.

Fadnavis also announced upcoming renaming for two other Maharashtra airports: Pune Airport will honor Jagadguru Sant Tukaram, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport will be named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Official approvals for these are expected soon.

The meeting saw the presence of key leaders, including Ganesh Naik, Ravindra Chavan, Mandatai Mhatre, Mahesh Baldi, Prashant Thakur, and Vikrant Patil. The decision has been welcomed by coastal leaders and activists, marking a symbolic acknowledgment of Loknete DB Patil's legacy in shaping Navi Mumbai's social and developmental fabric.