Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 Set for Phased Demolition by 2029-30 as Navi Mumbai Airport Gears Up for Expansion

Adani Group officials have announced that the demolition of Terminal One (T1) at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will be completed in a phased manner by 2029-30, coinciding with the launch of Navi Mumbai International Airport's second terminal. The company revealed that a completely new T1 facility at Mumbai would be operational by 2032, with construction already underway for the second terminal at Navi Mumbai.

Strategic Shift from Single-Phase to Phased Demolition

Jeet Adani explained that the original plan to demolish Mumbai's T1 in a single phase has been reconsidered due to massive travel demand. The company now plans to build a second terminal at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) within three years of the airport becoming operational. Officials are currently deciding whether the new T2 should have a capacity of 3 crore passengers annually (CPA) or 5 CPA, with completion targeted for 2029-30.

The financial implications are substantial, with NMIA's phase one costing INR 19,000 crore. A 3-CPA T2 facility would require approximately INR 30,000 crore investment, while a 5-CPA version would cost between INR 40-45,000 crore, according to company projections.

Infrastructure Challenges Drive Demolition Timeline

Mumbai's T1 faces significant operational challenges due to aging infrastructure requiring immediate strengthening measures. The terminal, built in phases over several decades without proper integrated planning, suffers from operational inefficiencies that affect passenger experience and airport capacity.

Adani Group indicated that T1A might be demolished immediately after NMIA operations stabilize, though the company emphasized it would not remove the entire 1.5 CPA capacity from the system simultaneously. The major capacity reduction at Mumbai T1 will occur only when NMIA's T2 becomes operational by 2029.

Modular Reconstruction Approach

The group has initiated engineering work for Mumbai's proposed new T1, adopting a modular expansion strategy. This approach involves building a new structure to replace T1A first, which can then be seamlessly connected as additional sections are demolished and reconstructed by 2030. The current T1's capacity of 1.5 CPA will increase to 2 CPA at an estimated cost of INR 5,000 crore once the brand new terminal is completed.

Historical Context and Structural Concerns

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport currently operates two terminals - T1 and T2. T1 comprises three buildings (T1A, B, and C) constructed over five decades, with T1B built in 1965, T1A in 1992, and T1C in 2010. A structural audit conducted in August 2017 for T1B revealed that the structures had developed various defects during their existence period.

This situation mirrors Delhi Airport's earlier decision to demolish its oldest terminal, T1B, several years ago due to similar aging infrastructure issues.

Metro Connectivity Between Twin Airports

The development includes plans for seamless connectivity between Mumbai's twin airports through a dedicated metro line. Adani Group is collaborating with Cidco and the Maharashtra government to establish a direct metro connection from CSMIA T2 to the center of NMIA, with completion targeted for 2029-30.

The project includes provisions for a dedicated freight compartment on this metro line to facilitate seamless baggage transfers between the airports, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger convenience. This infrastructure development aligns with Mumbai's broader airport connectivity transformation plans and supports the region's growing aviation demands.

The phased approach reflects the aviation industry's need to maintain continuous operations while upgrading infrastructure to meet Navi Mumbai's emerging real estate potential driven by the new airport development.