MSRTC launches Mumbai-Navi Mumbai Airport bus service amid T1 redevelopment plan controversy
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the airport operator of “fleecing” Mumbaikars by pushing a forced shift to Navi Mumbai.
On October 7, 2026, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik inaugurated a new bus service from Dadar to Navi Mumbai International Airport, amidst controversy surrounding the redevelopment of Terminal 1 (T1) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the move, accusing the airport operator Adani Airports of "fleecing" Mumbaikars by compelling a shift to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The new bus service, launched via Atal Setu, will also operate from Borivali and Swargate, with varying fares and number of stops. MSRTC passengers can continue to avail fare concessions applicable to 12-metre E-Shivai buses. The decision comes amid plans to redevelop T1 of CSMIA, with Adani Airports proposing a shift of several international flights from T2 to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Union Civil Aviation Ministry temporarily halted Adani Airports' plan to reduce 265 (33%) of T2's weekly international departure slots from October following opposition from airlines. Airlines and Adani Airports will discuss the transition plan on October 13 and finalize it on October 20. Aaditya Thackeray urged the Union Minister for Civil Aviation to intervene and address the T1 issue, emphasizing that T1 was recently built and could be upgraded without forcing a shift to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
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