India, Sept. 17 -- Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is likely to be inaugurated on September 30 by PM Narendra Modi, who is already scheduled to be in the city for the opening of the Worli-Cuffe Parade stretch of Metro Line 3. According to urban development department officials, though two metro stations, Kalbadevi and Girgaon, are not yet ready, two of the four entry/exits will be opened after the inauguration.

According to sources, the Mahayuti government delayed the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai airport on account of pitru paksha, which is considered inauspicious for new beginnings, and scheduled it for September 30, the auspicious eight day of the Navratri festival. While NMIA officials refused to comment, a ...