Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) currently handles an astonishing 150,000 passengers daily, including both arrivals and departures. On an average, this translates to about 2,500 passengers per hour and approximately 42 passengers per minute flowing in and out of the airport.
The heavy volume of airport-bound traffic has long contributed to severe congestion on key arterial roads like the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR), the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), and the Western Express Highway (WEH). These roads act as crucial corridors for travelers coming from both the eastern and western suburbs to reach the airport.
However, the imminent launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), scheduled to commence operations by mid-2025, is poised to change the city’s transport dynamics significantly. The new airport is projected to handle approximately 20 million passengers annually in its initial phase, equating to nearly 55,000 passengers per day.
Why Traffic May Reduce by 20-30%:
With a substantial portion of airport users expected to shift from CSMIA to NMIA, especially those originating from Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Kharghar, and the broader eastern suburbs, experts anticipate that:
- Airport-related vehicular traffic on SCLR, JVLR, and Western Express Highway could drop by 20-30%.
- Commuters from Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas will no longer need to cross the city to reach Mumbai Airport, leading to much smoother traffic flows across major arterial routes.
- Logistics and freight movement, a major contributor to road congestion, will also see a shift.
Major freight airlines and cargo operators have already announced plans to stop freight aircraft operations at Mumbai Airport (MIAL) and shift their cargo handling to Navi Mumbai International Airport. This transition will further decongest roads like WEH and SCLR, which currently experience heavy goods vehicle traffic heading to the existing airport.
Expert Insight:
Sandeep Sadh, veteran real estate advisor and infrastructure commentator, shares his perspective:
“The launch of Navi Mumbai International Airport is a game-changer for Mumbai’s urban transport. We will likely see an immediate reduction of at least 20-30% in airport-bound traffic on key corridors like SCLR, JVLR, and even Western Express Highway. With cargo and freight traffic also shifting out from Mumbai Airport to Navi Mumbai, the impact will be significantly positive, leading to smoother drives, shorter travel times, and better urban mobility for Mumbaikars.”
Strategic Impact:
- Smoother East-West and North-South Travel: Reduced bottlenecks on SCLR, JVLR, and WEH will dramatically reduce commuting time across the city.
- Reduced Cargo Traffic: The shift of freight aircraft operations will decrease the number of heavy cargo trucks moving towards Andheri and Kurla, easing daytime and nighttime congestion.
- Improved Quality of Life: Less congestion means reduced travel time, lower vehicular emissions, and better air quality across the city.
- Enhanced Airport Experience: CSMIA will benefit from a more manageable crowd, leading to quicker check-ins, security processing, and better service levels for travellers.
Conclusion:
The opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport is not just an aviation milestone — it marks a fundamental shift in Mumbai’s traffic ecosystem. With a significant chunk of passenger and cargo operations moving out of the city’s core, Mumbaiites can expect a dramatic improvement in travel times, road conditions, and urban liveability. As NMIA prepares to take off, it brings with it the promise of a smoother, faster, and cleaner Mumbai for all.