Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Demand to Name Navi Mumbai Airport After D.B. Patil Gains Momentum
People in Navi Mumbai want to name the new international airport after a famous leader named D.B. Patil.
This leader helped farmers and people who had to leave their homes for big projects.
A local leader, Suresh Mhatre, met with the state's chief minister to ask for this.
The government has said they like the idea but haven't made a final decision yet.
Some people are upset because the airport will start working soon, and they want the name changed before that.
If the government doesn't agree, they plan to have a peaceful march to show how they feel.
Bhiwandi MP Suresh Mhatre urges the Centre and Maharashtra government to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport after late D.B. Patil.
Mhatre met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and submitted a memorandum reiterating the demand.
The government has responded positively but has not taken a concrete decision despite repeated assurances.
Mhatre warns of a 'Bhumiputra Padyatra' protest on December 22 if the demand is ignored.
Late D.B. Patil is honored for his role in championing the rights of farmers and displaced families during Navi Mumbai's development.
- Who
- Bhiwandi MP Suresh Mhatre and supporters of late D.B. Patil
- What
- Demand to name the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport after D.B. Patil
- When
- The demand has resurfaced recently, with a protest planned for December 22
- Where
- Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To honor D.B. Patil's contributions to farmers' and project-affected people's movements
- Airport Name
- Navi Mumbai International Airport
- Proposed Name
- D.B. Patil International Airport
- Key Advocate
- Suresh Mhatre (Bhiwandi MP)
- Government Response
- Sympathetic but no concrete decision
- Protest Date
- December 22
- Protest Type
- Bhumiputra Padyatra (peaceful march)
- Airport Status
- Close to becoming operational