The Navi Mumbai International Airport is poised to become the nation’s first airport with true multimodal transport connectivity. Scheduled to commence operations in phases starting June 2025, the airport’s first and second phases are nearing completion and set to handle an initial passenger capacity of two crore annually.
Located in Panvel, this greenfield project stands as a benchmark for sustainable and equitable infrastructure planning—designed not only to decongest Mumbai’s existing aviation traffic but to create a future-forward travel experience through seamless integration of road, rail, metro, and water-based transport systems. What sets this airport apart is its interconnected framework that extends beyond conventional modes of travel. With road access already available, future connectivity includes direct metro services linking the airport with the existing international airport in Mumbai. The upcoming Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Ulwe Coastal Road, and revamped highway access through NH66 and NH348 further reinforce the regional connectivity. Meanwhile, Kalamboli, located at the intersection of five national highways, is undergoing significant infrastructural upgrades to facilitate signal-free access to both the airport and nearby port facilities. With a two-level interchange comprising flyovers, underpasses, and over 5 km of integrated road network expected to complete within 18 months, the airport will soon be accessible from multiple vectors across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Rail connectivity is equally pivotal in this ecosystem. The suburban Panvel-Karjat corridor is nearing completion, promising a reliable and electrified rail route for daily commuters and long-distance travellers. The newly operational Belapur/Nerul-Uran line, along with proposed direct links via the CST-Panvel elevated rail corridor, are anticipated to streamline passenger movement. Plans to convert Panvel into a hub for long-distance trains and integrate it into the wider regional rail grid only strengthen the airport’s strategic positioning.
Efforts led by local development agencies are advancing a dedicated metro express line between Navi Mumbai and the existing international airport in Mumbai. Spanning 34 kilometres, this express corridor—25.8 km of which will be elevated—is expected to house 20 stations and drastically reduce travel time across the city. In collaboration with national infrastructure bodies, Metro Line 8 will cater to daily passenger loads exceeding 22 lakh by 2061, making it one of the most significant metro projects in the country. This alignment will not only link the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai but also bring in peripheral regions such as Kalyan, Thane, and Taloja into the fold.
On the water, Maharashtra’s push for environmentally conscious alternatives is evident through its upcoming hovercraft and water taxi services. These will connect South Mumbai and Raigad to the airport in just 20 minutes, aiming to reduce congestion on roads while promoting carbon-neutral commutes. Furthermore, the proposed Mumbai-Hyderabad High-Speed Rail corridor, with a station close to the airport, is set to bridge interstate travel within hours, pushing the boundaries of accessible regional connectivity.
This visionary project, rooted in future-centric planning, resonates with the broader goals of building climate-resilient, inclusive cities. It reimagines how transport infrastructure can serve as a tool for equity—offering mobility to all segments of society while placing sustainability at its core. While challenges of implementation, coordination, and timely delivery remain, the emerging contours of Navi Mumbai’s transport revolution stand as a testament to what’s possible when public policy, infrastructure, and urban vision align with long-term environmental and civic interests.
Navi Mumbai Airport set to redefine eco-friendly, high-speed urban and regional mobility
