Navi Mumbai International Airport Puts Khopoli in Spotlight as Next Growth Corridor

Mumbai, December 3, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), marking a significant milestone for the project that is expected to begin operations in its first phase within the next few months. Designed for a full capacity of 90 million passengers annually as per the NMIA Report, the airport is set to reshape mobility across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). While immediate development gains are expected around Panvel, emerging nodes such as Khopoli, backed by strong expressway connectivity and an expanding industrial base, are 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 ₹11 crore in 2022 to ₹17 crore in 2024underscoring growing developer confidence in locations like Khopoli.

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, 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 organized residential formats has begun to rise.”

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.

Reflecting on these 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.”

Developers are responding with plotted and gated communities that balance affordability with aspirational lifestyle needs. 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. As developable land becomes scarce across core MMR and NMIA-led growth shifts eastward, Khopoli is poised to evolve into a lucrative, well-connected satellite town within the extended metropolitan footprint. Strengthening connectivity, rising housing demand, and its blend of industrial strength and natural appeal are steadily transforming Khopoli from a traditional industrial pocket into a balanced urban node with long-term growth potential.