In a bid to enhance operational efficiency and alleviate congestion at the bustling Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) is gearing up to commence the long-awaited construction of an underground tunnel connecting Terminals 1 (T1) and 2 (T2). Following years of meticulous planning and logistical preparations, this transformative infrastructure project is poised to kick off soon after the monsoon season, with an anticipated completion timeline spanning 12 to 16 months.
The ambitious initiative, estimated to cost between Rs 500-600 crore and to be executed in two phases, will see the creation of a three-lane tunnel traversing beneath both cross runways, facilitating seamless airside transfers of passengers, baggage, cargo, and ground support staff. With a primary focus on enhancing connectivity and operational fluidity, the tunnel’s construction marks a significant milestone in Mumbai’s aviation landscape.
Notably, the project’s initiation underscores MIAL’s commitment to addressing longstanding infrastructural constraints at CSMIA, particularly in light of the impending operationalization of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) by next March. As part of a comprehensive strategy to optimize resources and streamline air traffic management, several key facilities, including hangars, cargo, and general aviation services, will be relocated to NMIA, paving the way for a strategic reconfiguration of existing infrastructure at CSMIA.
Furthermore, the impending demolition of T1 to make way for a new terminal underscores MIAL’s forward-looking approach towards modernizing airport facilities and accommodating future growth. Despite facing delays attributable to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in ownership, MIAL remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing critical infrastructure projects essential for Mumbai’s aviation ecosystem.
