Mumbai, Jan 28: Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), operator of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), is set to embark on a landmark transformation with the redevelopment of Terminal 1 (T1) which will have the capability to serve 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA), up 42 per cent from its current capacity, it was announced on Tuesday.

Scheduled to be completed in 2028-29, the new terminal, with a built-up area of over two million square feet, is poised to become a hallmark of digitisation and consumer convenience.

Phase 1 of T1’s modernisation will begin in November this year, according to a statement by CSMIA, which is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL).

The redevelopment of Terminal 1 will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to airport operations. The initial phase involves the demolition of the existing structure, starting in November 2025, followed by the construction of the new terminal.

CSMIA T2, along with Navi Mumbai International Airport, scheduled to be operational in 2025, will manage the capacity gap created by the demolition of T1.

Together, the airports will accommodate passengers and flight schedules to meet the growing demands of both Mumbai City and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

“The team at CSMIA is working tirelessly with our stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition, with minimum disruption to daily operations or passenger experience,” said Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL).

“This redevelopment is not only about expanding capacity — it is about future-proofing our city’s place on the global stage. Our priority remains to deliver the exceptional service that our passengers have come to expect,” he added.

Together, the airports will accommodate passengers and flight schedules to meet the growing demands of both Mumbai City and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Upon completion in 2028-29, the new Terminal 1 at CSMIA will stand as a beacon of sustainable innovation, setting a global benchmark for eco-conscious airport design. T1 at CSMIA aspires to be India’s first brownfield, biophilic, sustainable airport.

A complete overhaul of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) will cater to domestic operations while allowing future integration of international services. With a capacity of 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA), this terminal will meet the growing demands of India’s burgeoning aviation market.

The redevelopment promises state-of-the-art infrastructure upgrades, including district cooling, cutting-edge electrical substations, and a revolutionised baggage handling system. These enhancements will elevate every facet of airport operations, both airside and landside.

The Multi-Modal Transit Hub (MMTH) will be the nexus of Mumbai’s air, rail and road networks. Passengers will be able to experience seamless connectivity – from direct metro access to underground bus stations – creating a future-proof gateway that will redefine travel in India.

The recent Level 5 accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) for CSMIA further reinforces the airport’s role as a global leader in airport operations and passenger service.

Mumbai: The city’s busy morning commute was disrupted on Tuesday due to a rail fracture on the Central Railway line, leading to delays in suburban and long-distance train services.

The rail fracture was reported between Matunga and Dadar stations on the Central Railway, causing widespread disruptions during peak hours. “The track was declared safe by 9:25 am with trains running at a restricted speed of 30 kmph. This led to delays of 10-15 minutes across services,” a Central Railway spokesperson stated.

Addressing commuter frustrations, DRM Mumbai-CR posted on X: “Due to technical issues on the UP local line between Matunga – Dadar, suburban services are currently running behind schedule. We regret the inconvenience caused.” Officials assured that normal operations would resume by late afternoon.

Crack Found On Railway Track Near Vaitarna Recently

Meanwhile, recently long-distance train services entering Mumbai from the Western Railway line faced delays of up to 30 minutes due to a crack in the track near Vaitarna station in the Mumbai division. The issue was detected on January 21 at 7:30 am on the up-line, and temporary repairs were completed by 8:00 am, enabling trains to resume operations at reduced speeds.

To ensure safety, railway personnel clamped the affected portion of the track, with permanent repairs scheduled during a maintenance block later in the day. Western Railway updated commuters via its X handle, stating, “WR’s Mumbai suburban local trains and long-distance trains entering Mumbai are running late by 15-20 minutes due to a technical failure at Vaitarna Station.”

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has approved Metro Line 8, also called the Gold Line, to connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai with Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The 35-kilometre corridor, part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) Metro Master Plan, aims to improve airport connectivity and streamline travel for passengers.

Metro 8 To Be Developed Using PPP Model

The project will be developed using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, despite its mixed track record in Mumbai metro projects. A Government Resolution issued on Monday confirmed the state’s decision, initially taken in May 2024. While MMRDA was originally tasked with overseeing Metro 8, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has now been appointed as the nodal agency. CIDCO has been directed to prepare a detailed project report for the line, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The new corridor is expected to provide seamless access between the two airports, especially critical as NMIA is likely to become operational by mid of 2025. Currently, NMIA is accessible via the Atal Setu, and connectivity will further improve with the completion of the Worli-Sewri connector.

Challenges With PPP Model

However, the decision to use the PPP model has raised concerns. Metro 1, which connects Ghatkopar and Versova, was built on a PPP basis between MMRDA and Reliance Infra over a decade ago. While the metro line itself has been successful, the financial arrangement remains problematic, prompting all further metro projects in Mumbai to adopt a contract-based approach without private participation.

Details Of The Metro Line 8 Project

Metro Line 8 will span 35 km, comprising 25.8 km of elevated track and 8.2 km of underground sections. The route will pass through key areas like Kurla and Mankhurd, linking Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and a proposed Interstate Bus Terminal at Mankhurd. It will include 20 stations and integrate with Metro 2B.

Estimated to cost Rs 15,000 crore (as per 2023 data), Metro 8 will take approximately six years to complete, marking a remarkable step toward enhancing urban mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.