Connectivity every 17–22 minutes: NMMT launches buses on 5 routes to Navi Mumbai airport; more buses planned in phases

NAVI MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) will launch air-conditioned bus services on five dedicated routes from 6 am on Thursday to link Navi Mumbai airport. A fleet of 14 buses will be deployed. Flyers can also access the airport via Targhar railway station on the Belapur-NerulUran suburban line, which lies 1.5 km from the airport terminal entrance. Central Railway inaugurated Targhar and the neighbouring Gavan station on Dec 15 to facilitate travel in the run-up to the airport opening. The first NMMT route links Belapur station to the terminal, the second connects Nerul station, the third runs from Targhar station, the fourth links Kharkopar station, and the fifth operates between Khandeshwar station and the airport. These services integrate with the existing local public transport network in Navi Mumbai, providing last-mile connections between rail and air systems.Navi Mumbai municipal commissioner Kailas Shinde said, “More NMMT services are on cards to be introduced in phases, considering demands.” NMMT general manager Yogesh Kaduskar said more buses will be added to the fleet gradually. The frequency of services will be 17-22 minutes on all routes, and the distance between these stations and the airport ranges from 1.5 km to 6 km. NMMT staff visited the airport site and the key routes of shuttle services on Wednesday. “Currently, the shuttle services will be available during normal flight operation hours and will be extended as required when fullfledged operations commence,” an NMMT official stated.