Navi Mumbai: As Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) prepares for its grand inauguration on April 16, 2025, the Maharashtra government, in collaboration with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to boost road and metro connectivity, making travel to the airport more efficient and seamless from various parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The state’s ambitious connectivity plan is headlined by the proposed Airport Express Metro Line, which will link the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai to NMIA.

CIDCO officials have confirmed that the detailed project report (DPR) for this express metro line is in its final stages, marking a major step forward in providing a high-speed transit option for travellers commuting between the two key aviation hubs.

In addition to the Airport Express Metro Line, CIDCO is also advancing plans for a dedicated elevated road corridor connecting NMIA with Thane and its surrounding areas. This elevated link is expected to reduce travel time significantly, providing a direct and congestion-free route for passengers and goods transport.

CIDCO has further decided to extend the existing Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1. The extension will integrate with Mumbai Metro Line 12 at Amandoot, connecting Kalyan Taloja and enhancing intra-regional connectivity within the MMR. The comprehensive metro network is projected to handle daily trips for approximately 28,000 passengers and 25,000 Terminal 4 workers at NMIA by 2058.

The enhanced metro corridor, with a total length of 31 km, will expand from the current 11 km of Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 to an additional 20 km, incorporating 14 new stations. This expansion is designed to cater to a future population of 41 lakh and 25 lakh job opportunities across the region by 2058. With a design speed of 85 km/h, the metro line will feature 25 stations (11 existing, 14 proposed); two key interchanges and four multi-modal integration points.

“The extended metro will also strategically link with the proposed Mumbai-Hyderabad High-Speed Rail (NHSRCL), enhancing integration with national rail networks and promoting wider regional connectivity, including key routes towards Hyderabad in the south and Ahmedabad in the west,” a senior CIDCO official said.

The government’s focused efforts on improving connectivity to NMIA are expected to drive significant economic benefits. The enhanced infrastructure will stimulate demand for residential, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use developments, boosting the area’s economic appeal and liveability.

The improved accessibility is likely to transform Navi Mumbai into a thriving economic hub, further solidifying Maharashtra’s leadership in urban infrastructure and transport innovation.

The development of NMIA is a pivotal milestone in the region’s growth story. The state government’s proactive measures, including integrated transit solutions and efficient transport corridors, underscore its commitment to sustainable and future-ready urban mobility, setting the stage for a transformative leap in the MMR’s connectivity landscape.