Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has unveiled artistic impressions of its proposed Terminal 1 (T1) redevelopment, showcasing plans for a modern facility designed to improve passenger comfort, operational efficiency and connectivity while incorporating elements of the city’s cultural identity.
According to an airport spokesperson, the visuals were presented at a meeting with the Airport Airline Operators Committee (AOC). They illustrate the proposed architectural style and passenger experience, rather than representing a final design of the completed terminal.
Commissioned in 1964, the existing Terminal 1 has aged considerably. Independent assessments by Structwel in 2017 and IIT Bombay in 2024 reportedly identified major structural and safety concerns, strengthening the case for replacing the facility.
The proposed design features a sweeping departure entrance, a spacious check-in hall filled with natural light and interior murals inspired by Mumbai’s cultural heritage. The departure waiting area is envisioned with indoor greenery, premium lounges and large glass facades overlooking the runways. Arriving passengers could be welcomed by an artistic kerbside space featuring a prominent flamingo sculpture celebrating the city’s biodiversity.
The redevelopment also includes significant upgrades to passenger-handling infrastructure. Annual capacity is expected to rise by 33 per cent, from 15 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 20 mppa.
Check-in counters are planned to increase from 74 to 109, while security facilities would expand to 15 passenger screening lanes and five transfer lanes. The terminal is also expected to have 25 contact stands, up from seven, alongside 12 modern electronic boarding gates and 11 baggage reclaim belts, compared with the existing five.
Construction is planned in phases to minimise disruption to airport operations. Demolition of the current Terminal 1 is scheduled to begin in April 2027. Meanwhile, the expanded G+3 North-West Pier at Terminal 2 is expected to become operational by March 2029 to accommodate domestic passengers during the transition.
The new Terminal 1 is targeted for completion by December 2030. Once the expansion is complete, Mumbai airport’s overall passenger-handling capacity is expected to reach 65 million passengers annually.
Source: NDTV
