Business
MMR Real Estate: Navi Mumbai International Airport Expected To Push Khopoli Into The Spotlight
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While immediate development gains are expected around Panvel, emerging nodes such as Khopoli, backed by strong expressway connectivity and industrial base, are likely to benefit.
Navi Mumbai Airport Set To Open On Christmas Day.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is going to become operational with its first commercial flights on December 25. The first phase of the airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October. The airport is expected to play a major role in establishing the region as one of Asia’s largest connectivity hubs. The airport is also expected to boost the real estate market in the nearby regions.
While immediate development gains are expected around Panvel, emerging nodes such as Khopoli, backed by strong expressway connectivity and an expanding industrial base, are also likely to benefit substantially from the region-wide growth the airport will unlock.
According to CIDCO, NMIA will handle up to 60 million passengers per year in Phase 1. The airport’s rollout is expected to create large-scale employment across aviation, logistics, hospitality, and allied services, generating economic ripple effects far beyond the primary aerotropolis zone. Enhanced connectivity and reduced travel time across the wider MMR are likely to strengthen the prospects of peripheral locations as well.
According to a recent JLL report, MMR witnessed record-breaking real estate land transactions in 2024, with major single-plot acquisitions of 50 acres or more in emerging micro-markets such as Khalapur, Palghar, and Khopoli. The same report highlights that per-acre land prices surged sharply from approximately Rs 11 crore in 2022 to Rs 17 crore in 2024 in the region.
Khopoli is steadily attracting leading developers, with Arvind SmartSpaces planning a 92-acre township and Lodha Group introducing its premium Lodha Plots Khopoli. The region is also witnessing large-format plotted projects from Godrej Properties through its 89-acre Godrej Hillview Estate. NeoLiv is deepening its footprint in Khopoli through two major projects: a 17.5-acre premium plotted development and a 47-acre mixed-use villa and plotted community, both positioned to become flagship offerings in the micro-market.
Mohit Malhotra, founder & CEO of NeoLiv, said, “The inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has infused a renewed thrust on the real estate landscape in the extended MMR region, with Khopoli emerging as a noteworthy beneficiary. While areas like Panvel and Ulwe will see immediate gains due to their direct proximity to the airport, Khopoli’s strategic location along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway positions it to benefit indirectly yet significantly from the broader regional development. Enhanced air connectivity will be a strong catalyst for economic growth, real estate development, and tourism in this belt.”
Khopoli’s location along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, combined with its proximity to steel plants, chemical hubs, and multiple manufacturing clusters, has reinforced its role as a key industrial and warehousing destination. As regional planning bodies push for outward expansion, demand for organised residential formats has begun to rise, he added.
The city is increasingly drawing a mix of homebuyers, including airport-linked professionals, logistics and manufacturing employees, hybrid workers, and middle-income families seeking an affordable alternative to Panvel and Ulwe. Its natural surroundings are also attracting second-home buyers seeking quieter, scenic living.
Developers are responding with plotted and gated communities that balance affordability with aspirational lifestyle needs.
On evolving buyer preferences, Sam Chopra, president & CEO of eXp Realty India, said, “Rising demand for gated communities, plotted developments, and lifestyle-centric housing, including second homes signals a shift toward practical, future-ready living.”
Located at the base of the Sahyadris, Khopoli continues to draw steady tourist inflows. With waterfalls, trekking routes, and the proximity of leisure destinations like Imagicaa and Khandala, the area is emerging as both a residential hub and a leisure micro-market. This dual appeal is drawing interest from both end users and investors.
About the Author
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis…Read More
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 02, 2025, 17:37 IST
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Gold is sold at a discount in Dubai due to Middle East conflict disrupting flights. Traders offer up to $30 per ounce less than London prices.
Dubai Gold Selling Cheaper As Iran War Grounds Flights
Gold is being sold at a discount in Dubai as the widening conflict in the Middle East disrupts flights and hampers the movement of bullion from one of the world’s key trading hubs.
According to a Bloomberg report, traders in Dubai are offering discounts of up to $30 per ounce compared to the global benchmark price in London. The unusual price cut comes as shipments remain stranded due to flight disruptions triggered by the escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel.
Dubai is a key global centre for refining and exporting gold to markets across Asia, including India. However, partial airspace restrictions and heightened security risks have slowed the movement of bullion out of the region.
Why Gold Is Being Sold Cheaper
Gold is typically transported in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft. With several flights from the UAE restricted amid regional tensions, traders are struggling to move bullion to international markets.
At the same time, insurance and freight costs have surged, making shipments more expensive and uncertain. Many buyers have therefore stepped back from placing new orders, unwilling to bear high logistics costs without assurance of timely delivery.
To avoid paying prolonged storage and financing costs while shipments remain stuck, some traders are offering gold at discounted prices.
Although transporting bullion by road to airports in neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia or Oman is theoretically possible, logistics firms are reluctant due to the risks and complications of moving high-value cargo across land borders during a conflict.
What It Means For India
India, one of the largest buyers of gold shipped from Dubai, could face short-term supply disruptions if the situation continues.
Renisha Chainani, head of research at Augmont Enterprises Ltd., said several cargo shipments have already been delayed, creating temporary tightness in the availability of physical bullion in India.
However, industry experts as reported by Bloomberg say the immediate impact may remain limited as domestic inventories are currently comfortable after heavy imports earlier this year.
Chirag Sheth, principal consultant for South Asia at Metals Focus, said Bloomberg that India has ample stocks for now, but warned that prolonged disruptions could eventually affect supply if the conflict continues for several months.
Meanwhile, global gold prices have surged this year amid geopolitical uncertainty, with spot gold recently trading above $5,000 per ounce.
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March 08, 2026, 10:03 IST
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Some seven in 10 British adults without a full driving licence say learning to drive is currently unaffordable, according to a survey.
The figure is even higher among younger people, with 76% of 18 to 29-year-olds without a licence saying driving lessons are financially out of reach, the poll for car insurer Prima found.
Overall, 38% said the cost of driving lessons was the biggest deterrent to learning to drive.
Some 32% were put off by the price of buying a car and 15% said the cost of car insurance was the main barrier to learning to drive.
Almost half (45%) said they would consider learning to drive if it became significantly cheaper.
Nick Ielpo, UK country manager at Prima, said: “For a growing number of people, driving is no longer a symbol of freedom – it’s a financial stretch too far.
“Between lessons, buying a car and insuring it, the upfront and ongoing costs are pricing many people out before they even start.”
Find Out Now surveyed 1,134 adults who do not hold a full driving licence between January 21 and 23.
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