All Roads, Rails and Rivers Now Lead to Navi Mumbai International Airport

Ajjay Bhagyakar
Oct 1
3 min read

By Ajjay Bhagyakar | Published by Griha Realty Source: Mid-Day & other public reports

Navi Mumbai International Airport set to redefine connectivity

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is being positioned as one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, promising to ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport and set new benchmarks in connectivity. With multiple modes of transport converging — road, rail, metro, and waterways — NMIA is on track to become the country’s most accessible aviation hub.

Road Corridors: Multiple Gateways to the Terminal

Authorities are fast-tracking a network of roads to ensure smooth airport access:

Sion–Panvel Highway, Amra Marg, and NH-4B will serve as the primary road links.
Two coastal corridors are under construction:
- Ulwe Coastal Road (5.8 km), budgeted at around ₹1,400 crore.
- Kharghar Coastal Road (9.6 km), estimated at ₹300 crore.
A 9-km elevated, signal-free corridor will provide seamless access to the terminal.

Yet, challenges remain. Arterial roads like the Sion–Panvel Highway and Thane–Belapur Road are already plagued with potholes and heavy traffic. Without timely upgrades, experts warn that rising vehicular volumes could undermine the airport’s accessibility.

Metro Network: Linking Airports for the First Time

Metro connectivity is another highlight of the NMIA masterplan:

Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 (Belapur–Pendhar) is operational, improving intra-city access.
The proposed Metro Line 8 (Gold Line) will directly link CSMIA in Mumbai to NMIA — creating India’s first airport-to-airport metro corridor.
Line 2B (DN Nagar–Mandale), terminating at Mankhurd, will provide interchange options for onward travel to NMIA.

Urban planners say these links could make airport transfers far more efficient, reducing dependence on taxis and private cars.

Suburban Rail: Targhar Station to Transform Access

The suburban railway system is also being integrated into the airport’s transport grid.

Currently, CBD Belapur and Bamandongri stations are the closest to the site.
The soon-to-be-inaugurated Targhar station, built at a cost of ₹112 crore, will directly serve the airport.

Designed with a wave-inspired roof and modern commuter facilities, Targhar station will house platforms, retail spaces, shuttle connections, and ample parking. Once operational, it is expected to emerge as a key multi-modal hub for passengers.

Navi Mumbai International Airport Map — *Source: Mid-Day*

Waterways: India’s First Airport Water-Taxi Service

In a first for the country, water taxis will provide last-mile connectivity to NMIA. The service, to be launched in phases, will allow passengers to bypass congested roads and travel by ferry across creeks and coastal routes.

Authorities believe this innovation could turn water transport into a viable, time-saving alternative for airport passengers.

Last-Mile Integration: The Passenger Experience

To complete the connectivity chain, planners are focusing on last-mile convenience:

Shuttle services from stations.
Designated app-cab and auto stands.
Multi-level parking and pedestrian-friendly access.

With coordination between CIDCO, NMMC and MMRDA, the goal is to create a transport ecosystem that delivers a “city-to-seat” seamless journey.

Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

While the vision is bold, execution will determine success. Key challenges include:

Delays in construction of coastal and elevated roads.
Maintenance issues on existing highways.
The need for flawless integration between multiple transport modes.

Despite these hurdles, experts believe NMIA is set to catalyze development across Navi Mumbai and beyond. Real estate demand is already rising in Ulwe, Panvel, Kharghar, and Targhar, driven by expectations of improved connectivity.

Navi Mumbai International Airport is more than just an aviation project — it is a blueprint for multi-modal urban transport. By combining roads, rails, and rivers, the project promises to transform passenger mobility and regional growth.

When the first flights take off, NMIA will not only relieve Mumbai’s overburdened skies but also redefine how India builds and connects its airports.

📌 This article has been authored by Ajjay Bhagyakar and published by Griha Realty. Sources: Mid-Day, Times of India, and official planning reports.