08 October,2026 07:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik (right) flags off the new e-Shivai bus service to Navi Mumbai International Airport on Wednesday
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) started its new direct e-Shivai services to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Wednesday, October 7, from Dadar, Borivli and Pune's Swargate. The air-conditioned electric buses offer passengers a fixed-fare public transport alternative to cabs and taxis. But the bigger question is whether air travellers will actually use them, particularly those carrying luggage.
[popcorn number="8" desc="No. of daily services" class="Default"]
[popcorn number="16" desc="services each way daily" class="Default"]
. Borivli departures: 6.30 am-6.45 pm
. NMIA departures: 9 am-10.45 pm
. Adult fare: Rs 210
. Child fare: Rs 105
. Route: Borivli-Pushpa Park-Malad-Domestic Airport-Kalanagar-Sion-Kurla-Vashi-Nerul-NMIA
. Dadar departures: 5.30 am-9.30 pm
. NMIA departures: 7 am-11.10 pm
. Adult fare: Rs 170
. Concessionary fare: Rs 85
. Route: Dadar-Byculla-CSMT-Atal Setu-Gavhan Phata-NMIA
On paper, the proposition is attractive: air-conditioned electric buses, fixed fares and direct connectivity via Atal Setu, at a fraction of typical cab fares. But airport passengers are not ordinary commuters. They travel with suitcases, have flight deadlines and often value door-to-door convenience over price. That makes luggage space, ease of boarding, punctuality and journey reliability crucial to whether these buses succeed. "If the e-Shivai buses provide adequate underfloor luggage storage and maintain reliable schedules, they could become a useful low-cost option for air travellers. If not, they risk becoming primarily a means of transport for airport staff and regular commuters rather than passengers flying out of NMIA," a commuter said.
Dadar-NMIA
16 services each way daily
Dadar departures: 5.30 am-9.30 pm
NMIA departures: 7 am -11.10 pm
Rs 170
Adult fare
Rs 85
Concessionary fare
Route: Dadar-Byculla-CSMT-Atal Setu-Gavhan Phata-NMIA
Pune-NMIA
2 services daily
Departures: 6.15 am and 2.45 pm
Journey time: around 2 hours 29 minutes
Rs 455
Adult fare
Rs 230
Child fare
Borivli-NMIA
8 services each way daily
Borivli departures: 6.30 am-6.45 pm
NMIA departures: 9 am-10.45 pm
Rs 210
Adult fare
Rs 105
Child fare
Route: Borivli-Pushpa Park-Malad-Domestic Airport-Kalanagar-Sion-Kurla-Vashi-Nerul-NMIA
Pune has also been connected directly with NMIA, with two daily Swargate-NMIA services via Khalapur Phata. The buses depart at 6.15 am and 2.45 pm, with the journey taking around 2 hours 29 minutes. The fare is Rs 465.
The launch has already sparked debate among commuters. Shubham Padave, who regularly sees airport-bound buses at Andheri East, said existing services are often packed with airport employees, while passengers carrying luggage generally prefer private cabs and taxis. There is, however, another view. Navi Mumbai resident Arindam Mahapatra believes the new buses could address the luggage issue if they have underfloor boot space, similar to Mumbai-Pune buses. Gandharva Purohit said the success of the service could depend on whether luggage racks below the buses are actually available and adequately utilised. Without them, he said, the e-Shivai services may be little different from existing Chalo buses, apart from ticket pricing.
The Dadar-NMIA service will have 16 services in each direction daily. Dadar departures will run from 5.30 am to 9.30 pm, while NMIA departures will run from 7 am to 11.10 pm. The adult fare is Rs 170 and the concessionary fare is Rs 85. The route runs via Byculla, CSMT railway station, Atal Setu and Gavhan Phata before reaching NMIA. From Borivli, MSRTC has introduced eight services in each direction daily. The outward service runs from 6.30 am to 6.45 pm, while NMIA departures run from 9 am to 10.45 pm. The full Borivli-NMIA fare is Rs 210. The route covers Pushpa Park, Malad, Domestic Airport, Kalanagar, Sion, Kurla, Vashi and Nerul.
Shrikant Ramkrishnan, bus enthusiast
âAll depends on how the service is operated. BMTC (Bangalore) has been operating the Vayu Vajra bus service successfully for 18 years now. It has a higher fare than the regular Vajra fleet, even in the city. They've always been either a Volvo with luggage racks or, now, a Switch. They run as express services with fewer stops. They run 24x7. The nearest Vayu Vajra stop is 1km away for me. There are services almost twice an hour except for a one-hour gap at midnight. Take an auto to the bus stop and board the bus. It costs me Rs 350. A cab will cost me a minimum of '1500. There are no extra charges for luggage.
Arindam Mahapatra, Navi Mumbai resident
âWhile the initiative taken by MSRTC is a very bold move, it's up to the commuters to decide how to use this service. Irrespective of someone travelling solo or going with family, the fares are quite reasonable. Especially for someone travelling with a family, a one-way trip by cab can go north of Rs 2,000 during peak hours for someone travelling from Western Suburbs to NMIA. At present, the cost of tickets feels justified to use this service once.'
Sahil Pusalkar, commuter
âIt can work if MSRTC ensures hassle-free luggage handling, proper publicity, punctuality and, most importantly, cleanliness, unlike some of the Shivai and Shivneri services currently operating. Bengaluru's Flybus is a good example of how a well-planned airport bus service can become a practical choice for passengers.'
Rupak Dhakate, commuter
âIf there is adequate luggage storage space, then average commuters might think of going. A solo traveller might opt. The impression of ST buses is that they are dirty and not maintained. If these buses are kept clean and well maintained, then it will attract airport travellers, provided they repeatedly keep promoting these services and it is mentioned at airport premises also. Otherwise, they will just be preferred by the general public and staff for travelling to and from the airport or nearby areas as substitutes for existing city bus routes.'
Shubham Padave, commuter
âI think this depends upon the accessibility of buses/cabs outside the airport. As most of the passengers are tired after a journey, they prefer to get access to the easiest available mode of transport which can carry their luggage as well and drop them close to their homes.'
