MSRTC inaugurates direct bus link to Navi Mumbai Airport amid T1 row

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has rolled out a dedicated bus service between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai International Airport, marking a significant expansion of connectivity to the newly operational airport facility. The move comes as the operator pushes to handle passenger traffic diverted from the city's existing airport infrastructure.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has mounted a sharp political challenge to the airport operator's strategy, accusing it of "fleecing" Mumbaikars by orchestrating a shift of services to Navi Mumbai. The controversy centres on redevelopment plans for Terminal 1 at the existing facility, with critics arguing that passengers are being artificially incentivised to use the newer airport outside the city limits.

The bus service represents a concrete step in establishing ground transportation links to Navi Mumbai International Airport, which commenced operations last year. Officials maintain the new route addresses growing passenger demand and provides a cost-effective alternative to private transport options.

The political backlash underscores broader concerns among Mumbai residents and opposition parties about airport operations, terminal closures, and passenger convenience during the ongoing modernisation drive. The MSRTC service is expected to operate at regular intervals, with ticket pricing competitive with existing airport shuttle alternatives.

The airport operator has not immediately responded to allegations regarding the terminal redevelopment strategy, though it previously justified infrastructure changes as necessary upgrades to international standards.