Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has shared the proposed design for its redeveloped Terminal 1, offering a first look at a larger passenger hall, indoor greenery and features inspired by the city’s cultural identity. The replacement terminal is planned to increase annual passenger-handling capacity from 15 million to 20 million.
The airport said the images are artistic impressions of its architectural vision, not a definitive preview of the final design.
New Design to Feature Greenery and Mumbai-Inspired Art
The proposed terminal includes a sweeping departure entrance, a naturally lit check-in hall and expansive glass facades. The departure waiting area is envisioned with indoor greenery and premium lounges, while local art murals are expected to reflect Mumbai’s cultural heritage.
For arriving passengers, the plans show an open kerbside area with a large flamingo sculpture inspired by the city’s biodiversity.
Passenger-Handling Capacity to Rise by 33 Per Cent
The redevelopment aims to increase Terminal 1’s annual capacity from 15 million passengers to 20 million. The number of check-in counters is planned to rise from 74 to 109.
Security infrastructure is also set for expansion, with 15 passenger screening lanes and five transfer lanes. Contact stands, which allow passengers to board aircraft directly from the terminal, are planned to increase from seven to 25.
The proposal also includes 12 e-gates and an increase in baggage reclaim belts from five to 11. These changes are intended to improve passenger processing and reduce reliance on remote boarding arrangements.
Redevelopment Planned in Phases
The airport operator has said the work will be phased to limit disruption to airport operations and domestic passenger traffic. The expansion of Terminal 2’s North-West Pier is scheduled to become operational by March 2029 to help accommodate interim domestic traffic.
The replacement Terminal 1 is targeted for completion by December 2030. Once the redevelopment and associated expansion plans are completed, the airport’s overall passenger-handling capacity is expected to reach 65 million passengers annually.
Existing Terminal to Be Replaced
Terminal 1 was commissioned in 1964. The airport has cited independent structural audits conducted by Structwel in 2017 and IIT Bombay in 2024, which identified safety and structural vulnerabilities in the ageing facility.
The proposed redevelopment is intended to replace the old terminal with a modern facility focused on passenger comfort, operational efficiency and safety. The airport has not presented the architectural impressions as a final design, and details may change as the project progresses.
