MP Varsha Gaikwad Seeks Navi Mumbai Airport Renaming, Female Lavatories

Mumbai North Central MP Varsha Gaikwad has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, urging him to expedite the renaming of Navi Mumbai International Airport as 'Loknete D. B. Patil International Airport'.

The MP highlighted the growing public dissatisfaction surrounding the delay in officially approving and notifying the name of the upcoming airport.

Gaikwad emphasized that naming the airport after the late D. B. Patil represents the deep-rooted identity and historical aspirations of the local communities.

Patil was a prominent leader who served as a five-time MLA and two-time member of parliament, and his efforts secured the landmark 12.5% developed plot scheme, which safeguards the livelihoods of thousands of project-affected families.

The Maharashtra state legislature unanimously passed a resolution proposing to name the airport after Late D. B. Patil on June 29, 2022, and submitted it for central approval.

However, the central approval is still pending, despite the airport approaching operationalisation.

Gaikwad also wrote a separate letter to the minister, urging him to mandate designated lavatory facilities for female passengers across commercial air carriers operating in India.

She pointed out that most narrow-body and regional aircraft in domestic fleets currently operate with gender-neutral lavatories, which can compromise sanitation standards and cause discomfort for women and other vulnerable passengers.

The MP urged the minister to issue directives compelling commercial airlines to reserve or designate at least one lavatory exclusively for female passengers on flights equipped with multiple lavatories.

She also requested the minister to encourage aircraft operators to incorporate clear gender markings and upgraded sanitation amenities in future fleet acquisitions.

The MP's demands aim to address the concerns of female passengers and promote a more comfortable and hygienic travel experience.

The renaming of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the provision of dedicated female lavatories are expected to have a significant impact on the travel experience of passengers in India.

The move is seen as a step towards promoting gender equality and addressing the needs of female passengers in the aviation sector.

The final decision on the renaming of the airport and the provision of dedicated female lavatories rests with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry.