Navi Mumbai International Airport starts commercial flight operations
Mumbai (PTI): The Navi Mumbai International Airport commenced commercial flight operations on Thursday, marking a key milestone for India's civil aviation sector, while expanding air travel capacity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began operations, with the first flight from Bengaluru, operated by IndiGo, touching down the runway at 8 am.
The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival, a time-honoured aviation tradition marking NMIA's first commercial touchdown and departure, the airport operator said in a statement.
ALSO READ: Chitradurga: Private sleeper bus catches fire after truck crosses divider; at least 17 burnt alive
The inaugural arrival was followed by the airport's first departure IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad at 08:40 am, completing NMIA's inaugural arrival and departure cycle, it said.
On the first day, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air will operate domestic services, connecting the new facility to nine destinations across India.
The airport will handle 15 scheduled departures on the first day, it said, adding that during the initial phase, the facility will operate for 12 hours -- between 8 am and 8 pm, with up to 24 scheduled daily departures to 13 destinations and the capability to manage up to 10 aircraft movements (arrivals and departures) per hour, it added.
The airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8 this year.
The first phase of the five-phased airport was built at Rs 19,650 crore.
By the time all five phases of the airport are completed, it will be catering to 90 million passengers annually, along with dedicated cargo terminals and multimodal connectivity.
The entire project is being developed in multiple phases under a special purpose vehicle, Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL), in which the Adani Group has a 74 per cent stake, and the remaining 26 per cent is owned by CIDCO.
From February next year, operations are planned to progressively scale up to round-the-clock services.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Ayurveda student dies by suicide
Chitradurga (Karnataka) (PTI): An Ayurvedic student allegedly died by suicide in Holalkere town after being distressed over defamatory rumours linking her to a lecturer, police sources said on Thursday.
According to police, the student was reportedly upset over false allegations spread by some individuals about her having a relationship with a faculty member.
"The victim was deeply affected by the defamation and is suspected to have taken the extreme step due to mental distress caused by such rumours," police sources said.
Police said the student left behind a death note before hanging herself in her house on Wednesday. She has explained the reasons behind her decision.
"The note contains references to certain individuals, including a faculty member, and mentions alleged harassment by some students. It also indicates that action should be taken against those responsible," sources added.
Based on the contents of the death note, a case has been registered at the Holalkere police station.
"We are examining the allegations mentioned in the note, including the source of the defamatory campaign and whether the victim was subjected to mental harassment. The role of all those named is being verified," police sources said.
Family members told police that the student had not shared any such issues earlier and that the incident came as a shock.
In his statement, the victim's brother said, "If something like this has happened, there must be some serious issue. But she never shared anything about it. We don't understand what exactly led to this. She used to tell us everything, and never appeared disturbed. This sudden decision has surprised us."
He further stated that a complaint has been lodged and all relevant materials, including the death note, have been submitted to the police.
Police said further investigation is underway.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
