The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to begin cargo operations following its inauguration on 30 September, offering state-of-the-art facilities aimed at transforming Maharashtra into a logistics hub, reports Mumbai's STAT Trade Times.

In its first phase, NMIA will feature a dedicated cargo terminal with an annual handling capacity of 0.5 million tonnes. The facility will expand over five phases to reach 3.25 million tonnes in the next 10��2 years.

Located near Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), NMIA benefits from multimodal connectivity including roads, rail and waterways. This proximity enables rapid sea-air transshipment of high-value cargo to global destinations.

The airport will include domestic, international and express cargo terminals across 35,000 square metres. Seven of 11 freighter stands are ready, accommodating Code D and Code F aircraft such as Boeing 767F and Airbus A380.

NMIA�� infrastructure includes automated storage systems, advanced screening, real-time tracking and cold chain facilities for pharmaceuticals, perishables and precision engineering cargo.

New initiatives include a robotic sorting terminal, a perishables cargo village, and a Pharma Excellence Centre with GDP-compliant zones. A blockchain-based paperless customs system will streamline clearance.

A drone and express cargo zone is also planned to support e-commerce and drone logistics. NMIA and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will operate cargo services in parallel, complementing each other.