Navi Mumbai Welcomes New Targhar Railway Station With Direct Airport Connectivity, Setting the Stage for December 25 Launch

Navi Mumbai is gearing up for a transformative moment in its infrastructure journey as the city prepares for the commencement of operations at the Navi Mumbai International Airport on December 25. Adding to the momentum, Targhar railway station on the Uran–Belapur line has now been operationalised, offering direct connectivity for both air travellers and airport staff. The new station is located just 1.5 kilometres from the airport, making it a strategic addition to the city’s expanding transit network.

The announcement was accompanied by enthusiastic remarks from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who described the development as “a special gift for Mumbaikars.” His message on X highlighted the significance of enhanced local train services and approved stoppages at Targhar and Gavhan, reflecting the state’s commitment to strengthening last-mile connectivity for residents and airport-bound commuters.

A Strategic Boost Ahead of Airport Operations

With the airport set to begin commercial flights on December 25, Targhar station plays an essential role in supporting seamless accessibility. The station’s proximity ensures that flyers, daily commuters, and airport personnel benefit equally from reliable rail connectivity. As Mumbai’s metropolitan region expands, integrated mobility solutions have become critical to easing congestion and improving the commuting experience, particularly for those travelling long distances to reach the airport.

Fadnavis emphasised that the addition of new services on the Nerul–Uran–Nerul and Belapur–Uran–Belapur routes—four and six trips respectively—will significantly ease the load on existing transport systems. These enhanced services are expected to reduce travel time and improve convenience for thousands of daily commuters.

Built as a Future-Ready Transit Hub

Targhar station is designed not merely as a commuter stop but as a future-ready transport hub purpose-built to serve the upcoming international airport. Spread across 2 lakh square feet, the station’s expansive layout includes three island platforms and two end platforms, each measuring 270 metres in length and 12 metres in width. The station also incorporates subways for smooth cross-platform transfers, along with commuter parking at all four corners and a designated drop-off zone for buses, cars, and autorickshaws.

Its design anticipates the long-term mobility needs of the rapidly growing Navi Mumbai region. The station will eventually function as a critical interchange between the Harbour Line, the proposed Coastal Metro, and the future airport skytrain system. This multi-modal flexibility is intended to ensure that passengers can transfer effortlessly between local rail lines, upcoming rapid transit corridors, and airport terminals.

CIDCO’s Investment in Integrated Urban Mobility

Developed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) at a cost of Rs 112 crore, Targhar station exemplifies the urban planning authority’s focus on building infrastructure that supports not just present-day mobility but future travel patterns as well. CIDCO has played a pivotal role in shaping Navi Mumbai’s transportation landscape, and this new station reflects its broader strategy of creating interconnected public transit nodes.

The station’s inclusion of retail spaces, walkways, and potential shuttle services underscores its role as a transit-oriented development. By integrating commercial activity directly within the commute experience, the station is positioned to become a vibrant space that serves both functional and lifestyle needs of commuters.

Supporting Airport Staff and Operational Requirements

While passengers stand to gain significantly from the new station, airport workforce mobility is an equally important consideration. Airport staff often travel at irregular hours, and reliable rail connectivity can meaningfully reduce their commute time and dependence on road transport. The proximity of Targhar ensures a practical mobility solution for ground personnel, security teams, airline staff, and service workers who will support Navi Mumbai International Airport’s daily operations.

The integration of parking facilities and future shuttle links will create efficient, predictable travel patterns for the airport ecosystem, enhancing overall operational continuity.
 

Navi Mumbai Airport Completes Critical ORAT Milestone

As rail connectivity strengthens, the Navi Mumbai International Airport also announced the successful completion of its Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) exercise—a major milestone that confirms readiness for commercial operations. The ORAT involved hundreds of simulated passengers experiencing check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage reclaim using airlines such as IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.

According to the airport’s statement, the exercise ensured that all passenger-handling processes met operational standards. The airport praised the coordinated efforts of CISF, L&T, airline partners, and the NMIAL team for achieving the milestone.

By conducting a full-scale integrated passenger trial, the airport demonstrated its preparedness to handle real-time airline traffic and passenger volumes beginning December 25. The ORAT completion signals a smooth transition from construction to operations, strengthening confidence among stakeholders and future flyers.

A Defining Step for Navi Mumbai’s Growth Story

The operationalisation of Targhar station marks a turning point in Navi Mumbai’s journey toward becoming a fully integrated urban centre. With direct rail connectivity to the soon-to-launch international airport, the region is set for a mobility transformation that aligns with global best practices in airport-city integration.

The combined momentum of the station launch and the airport’s readiness exercise underscores the city's rapid evolution. As Navi Mumbai prepares to welcome its first commercial flights, the new station ensures that accessibility, convenience, and connectivity remain at the heart of this landmark development.