28 October,2026 10:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Artist’s rendering of the interior of the redeveloped Terminal 1 at CSMIA, showing the spacious arrival/departure hall with large glass walls. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has shared artistic impressions of its proposed Terminal 1 (T1) redevelopment, outlining a vision for a modern, passenger-centric terminal that reflects Mumbai's cultural identity.
The visuals were shared during a meeting with the Airport Airline Operators Committee (AOC). The airport clarified that the images represent the architectural vision for the proposed terminal and are not a definitive preview of the final design.
Commissioned in 1964, the existing T1 is set to be replaced amid concerns over its age and structural safety. According to the airport's redevelopment brief, independent audits by Structwel in 2017 and IIT Bombay in 2024 highlighted significant safety and structural vulnerabilities.
The proposed design aims to transform the ageing terminal into a modern gateway, with an emphasis on passenger comfort, operational efficiency and Mumbai's cultural heritage.
The artistic impressions envisage a sweeping entrance at the departure kerbside, a spacious, naturally lit check-in hall featuring local art murals, and a departure waiting area with indoor greenery, premium lounges and expansive glass facades overlooking the runways.
The arrival kerbside is envisioned as an open, artistic space featuring a large flamingo sculpture, celebrating Mumbai's natural biodiversity.
The redevelopment plans also envisage a substantial increase in passenger processing capacity and airport infrastructure.
Annual passenger handling capacity is proposed to rise by 33 per cent, from 15 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 20 mppa. The number of check-in counters is set to increase from 74 to 109, while security screening infrastructure is planned to expand to 15 passenger lanes and five transfer lanes.
Contact stands, which allow passengers to board aircraft directly from the terminal, are proposed to increase from seven to 25. The plans also include 12 e-gates, while the number of baggage reclaim belts is set to rise from five to 11.
The transition is planned in phases to minimise disruption to airport operations and domestic passenger traffic.
The G+3 North-West Pier expansion at Terminal 2 (T2) is scheduled to become operational by March 2029 to accommodate interim domestic traffic. The replacement T1 is targeted for completion by December 2030.
Once the redevelopment and associated expansion plans are completed, Mumbai airport's overall passenger handling capacity is expected to reach 65 million passengers per annum.
The airport said the artistic impressions reflect its vision for a safer and more welcoming terminal, with modern infrastructure, passenger experience and Mumbai's cultural identity at the centre of the proposed redevelopment.
