Navi Mumbai Airport May Be Named After D.B. Patil As MP Balya Mama Pushes Rail And Connectivity Upgrades For Bhiwandi

The long-pending demand to name the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport after prominent regional leader Dinkar Balu Patil may soon move forward, with the proposal expected to be placed before the Union Cabinet.

The update was shared by Suresh Mhatre, popularly known as MP Balya Mama, during a press conference in Bhiwandi.

According to the MP, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, the Union Civil Aviation Minister, has assured that the long-pending proposal will soon be brought before the Union Cabinet for consideration.

Long-Standing Demand From Local Residents

MP Balya Mama stated that he has repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament and various administrative forums, emphasizing the sentiments of local residents and landowners who have long demanded that the airport be named after D.B. Patil.

Patil is remembered as a prominent leader who led several movements advocating for the rights of farmers and project-affected families in the region.

Speaking about his recent meeting with the Civil Aviation Minister, Balya Mama said the proposal is now receiving positive signals from both the Central and Maharashtra governments, raising hopes that the demand may finally be approved.

He described the possible decision as a tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of local communities who gave up land for major development projects in the Navi Mumbai region.

Update On Kalyan–Murbad Railway Project

During the press conference, the MP also provided an update on the proposed Kalyan–Murbad railway line project.

According to Balya Mama, the land acquisition cost for the project is estimated at around ₹1,400 crore. He said discussions with Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Railway Minister, have indicated strong support from both the Central and Maharashtra governments.

He added that the proposal has also been discussed with the state leadership and efforts are underway to move the project forward.

Long-Distance Trains To Halt At Bhiwandi Road

Balya Mama also highlighted improvements in railway connectivity for residents of the region.

He said he had requested the Railway Ministry to allow long-distance trains to halt at Bhiwandi Road railway station, which lies along the Diva–Vasai railway corridor.

Following the request, three out of seven long-distance trains passing through the corridor will now halt at the station, providing greater convenience to passengers traveling from Bhiwandi and nearby areas.

Plans To Improve Facilities At Badlapur Station

The MP also raised concerns regarding passenger amenities and administrative delays at Badlapur railway station.

According to him, the Railway Minister has assured that new senior officials will soon be appointed to address pending issues and improve management at the station.

Balya Mama further stated that he plans to hold meetings with railway authorities to review passenger-related concerns at several stations in the region, including Asangaon, Vashind, and Bhiwandi Road, with the aim of improving services and infrastructure for daily commuters.

With multiple infrastructure proposals and connectivity upgrades under discussion, the developments could significantly enhance transportation facilities across the Bhiwandi–Kalyan belt in the coming years.