The late 2000s witnessed a rise in Indian-origin global figures. In 2007, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex crossed the 20,000 mark for the first time, underscoring India’s booming economy. Global investors intensified interest in India as an emerging-market powerhouse. For Mumbai, India’s financial capital, this was a golden opportunity. Yet, aviation planners realised one pressing issue—Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) was nearing operational limits. The goal was clear: relieve congestion at CSMIA and prepare Mumbai for surging passenger demand.

2011–2017: Navigating clearances and challenges
If the late 2000s were about dreaming big, the next decade was about facing ground realities. Between 2011 and 2017, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the nodal agency, managed one of India’s most complex rehabilitation and resettlement exercises. Families from Panvel and Ulwe were relocated, compensated, and integrated into new housing clusters. Engineers redesigned drainage systems and river diversions to safeguard wetlands and prevent flooding. Multiple ministries conducted protracted reviews and clearance processes.