Navi Mumbai Airport adds 4,500+ transport options for Winter Schedule 2026-27
Synopsis
Navi Mumbai International Airport is launching one of its most ambitious ground connectivity pushes yet — 4,594 vehicles and services, MSRTC electric buses from 7 October, and a free hourly shuttle to CSMIA. For a new airport still building its passenger base, getting people there affordably is as critical as getting planes in the air.
Key Takeaways
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is expanding ground transport to 4,594 vehicles and services for Winter Schedule 2026-27 (25 Oct 2026 – 27 Mar 2027).
MSRTC e-Shivai electric buses launch on 7 October , connecting NMIA with Dadar (₹170), Borivali (₹210), and Pune (₹450); 50% concession for women with NCMC cards and children under 12.
Bharat Taxi begins operations at NMIA from 10 October with up to 40 vehicles .
A free hourly shuttle between NMIA and CSMIA , run by Cityflo, Aarya, and Chalo, will facilitate inter-airport transfers.
NMMT is running 7 dedicated airport routes (A1–A7) within Navi Mumbai; MSRTC to add Thane and Nashik routes by mid-November.
Fleet breakdown: 3,787 app-based taxis, 547 buses, 184 car rentals, 171 autorickshaws.
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), is rolling out a significantly expanded ground transport and multimodal connectivity network ahead of the Winter Schedule 2026-27, which runs from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027. The expansion covers buses, taxis, autorickshaws, car rentals, and inter-airport shuttles, extending reach across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
MSRTC Electric Bus Services Launch on 7 October
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will inaugurate its e-Shivai electric bus services from NMIA on 7 October 2026, marking the first phase of state-backed public transport connectivity to the new airport. Initial routes will link the airport with Dadar, Borivali, and Pune.
Fares have been set at ₹450 for Pune, ₹210 for Borivali, and ₹170 for Dadar East. Children under 12 years and women travelling with a National Common Mobility Card are eligible for a 50% fare concession. The Dadar-NMIA service will operate via Sion and Atal Setu, while the Borivali route will pass through CSMIA Terminal 1 and Bandra. The Pune route will run two daily services — one morning and one afternoon. MSRTC also plans to extend connectivity to Thane and Nashik by mid-November 2026.
Private Operators and Last-Mile Connectivity
Private bus operator Chalo Bus is already running 21 daily services connecting NMIA with Marol in Andheri East, Bandra, Dadar, and the World Trade Centre in Colaba, with added capacity during peak periods for both passengers and airport employees.
Within Navi Mumbai, Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) is operating seven dedicated airport routes — A1 through A7 — linking Terminal 1 with Kharkopar, Targhar, Belapur, Nerul, Panvel, Khandeshwar, and the Airport Project Office. Services between Belapur and Nerul run every 15-20 minutes during peak hours, with further connectivity to Vashi and Panvel in the pipeline.
On the taxi and app-cab front, Uber Go, Uber Premier, and Uber Auto will serve the airport, alongside prepaid taxi and autorickshaw counters and car rental services. Bharat Taxi is set to begin operations at NMIA from 10 October 2026 with a dedicated fleet of up to 40 vehicles.
Free Inter-Airport Shuttle Between NMIA and CSMIA
A complimentary shuttle service will connect NMIA with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), operated by Cityflo, Aarya, and Chalo. The shuttle will run every hour, giving travellers a seamless transfer option between Mumbai's two international airports — a significant operational convenience for transit passengers and airline crew.
This comes amid NMIA's phased operational ramp-up, as AAHL works to position the new airport as a credible alternative to the heavily congested CSMIA. The inter-airport link is notable: at most dual-airport cities, such connections are either absent or costly.
Total Ground Transport Capacity and Passenger Infrastructure
Overall ground transport capacity at NMIA is being scaled to 4,594 vehicles and services, comprising 3,787 app-based taxis, 184 car rentals, 171 autorickshaws, and 547 buses. The airport is simultaneously deploying mobility signage, improved wayfinding systems, and on-ground passenger assistance, with designated zones for buses, shuttles, arrivals, departures, and private vehicles.
As the Winter Schedule approaches and flight volumes at NMIA rise, the adequacy of this ground transport network will be closely watched by airlines, passengers, and urban planners across the MMR.
Point of View
But it arrives at a critical moment — the new airport needs to demonstrate that getting there is not harder than flying from CSMIA. The MSRTC fare structure is competitive, yet the real test is reliability and frequency as passenger volumes grow. The free inter-airport shuttle is a smart differentiator that most dual-airport cities globally have failed to offer at launch. Whether AAHL can sustain this network as NMIA scales beyond its initial flight schedule will determine if the airport becomes a genuine second hub or a supplementary facility that passengers grudgingly use.
NationPress
5 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When do MSRTC electric buses start from Navi Mumbai Airport?
MSRTC e-Shivai electric bus services from NMIA begin on 7 October 2026, initially connecting the airport with Dadar, Borivali, and Pune. Services to Thane and Nashik are planned by mid-November 2026.
What are the bus fares from Navi Mumbai Airport to Pune, Dadar, and Borivali?
MSRTC fares from NMIA are set at ₹450 for Pune, ₹210 for Borivali, and ₹170 for Dadar East. Women travelling with a National Common Mobility Card and children under 12 years are eligible for a 50% concession.
Is there a shuttle between Navi Mumbai Airport and Mumbai's existing airport?
Yes. A complimentary inter-airport shuttle runs every hour between NMIA and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), operated by Cityflo, Aarya, and Chalo. The service is free of charge for passengers.
What is the total ground transport capacity at Navi Mumbai Airport?
NMIA's overall ground transport capacity is being scaled to 4,594 vehicles and services, comprising 3,787 app-based taxis, 547 buses, 184 car rentals, and 171 autorickshaws. Designated zones for buses, shuttles, and private vehicles are also being set up.
What is the NMIA Winter Schedule 2026-27?
The Winter Schedule 2026-27 at Navi Mumbai International Airport runs from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027. It is a standard IATA seasonal schedule period, and NMIA is expanding its ground transport network ahead of the increased flight activity expected during this period.
