Navi Mumbai: The Maharashtra Home Department has not approved the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate’s restructuring plan, which proposed a new Zone-3, two additional divisions, and four new police stations. In response, the Commissionerate has revised and resubmitted the proposal, limiting it to Zone-3, two new divisions, and a Navi Mumbai Airport Police Station. The state’s decision on this proposal is awaited.
“With Navi Mumbai evolving into an education hub and IT center, its rising population and rapid urbanization have increased the burden on police forces. Major infrastructure projects such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Metro Rail, and Coastal Road have further heightened security concerns, making an expansion in policing necessary,” said a senior police officer from Navi Mumbai.
Earlier, Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe had proposed a restructuring plan to manage growing law and order challenges. The plan included establishing Zone-3, adding two new divisions, and setting up four new police stations in Ghansoli, Airoli, Karanjade, and Dronagiri. It also suggested merging Uran and Mora police stations. This proposal was sent to the state before the assembly elections, but the government took no action for four months.
As CIDCO and the state government prepare for Navi Mumbai International Airport’s first passenger flight in May 2025, Commissioner Bharambe has prioritized the Airport Police Station. The revised proposal now includes Zone-3, two new divisions, and only the Navi Mumbai Airport Police Station. “Mumbai has an independent police station for airport and Navi Mumbai will need the same once the airport starts functioning,” the officer added.
If approved, Navi Mumbai’s 22 police stations will be distributed under three zones and six divisions for better management. Zone-1, based in Vashi, will include two divisions—Rabale and Vashi—with seven police stations under its jurisdiction. Zone-2, headquartered in Belapur, will have two divisions—CBD and Port—overseeing eight police stations. Zone-3, located in Panvel, will consist of two divisions—Panvel and Kharghar—managing seven police stations.
To minimize costs, the new Zone-3 Deputy Commissioner’s office will function from the Navi Mumbai Police Headquarters, while divisional offices will use existing government buildings in Kalamboli and the NRI Police Station.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Sanjay Kumar Patil stated, “Our previous proposal is still being considered but since the airport is about to start functioning, the need of the independent police station is urgent and hence we have sent a fresh proposal. The previous proposal of additional police stations will be sent again later.”
