By Arosh John | Founder – John Real Estate | Editor-in-Chief – Thane Real Estate News
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) at Ulwe is nearing launch, and for Thane residents, this is more than just a new terminal—it’s a connectivity revolution. Roads, suburban rail, metro lines, and dedicated buses will make reaching NMIA faster and easier, reshaping travel patterns and real estate values alike.
Roads: The Primary Links
Thane–Belapur Road → Sion–Panvel Highway
Currently the most dependable route. From Ghodbunder Road or Eastern Express Highway, connect via Airoli to Thane–Belapur Road, then head to Turbhe–Panvel. Travel time: ~80–100 minutes in moderate traffic.
Ghodbunder Road via Airoli Link
Best option for Hiranandani Estate, Kasarvadavali, and GB Road residents, feeding directly into Thane–Belapur.
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) – the new game-changer
Already operational between Sewri and Nhava Sheva. State agencies are building the Ulwe Coastal Road and Shivajinagar interchange to connect MTHL directly to NMIA. For Thane travellers via Airoli or Ghansoli, this will drastically cut airport travel time once complete.
Suburban Rail: Cost-Effective & Reliable
Thane Station → Trans-Harbour Line to Panvel
Regular direct trains link Thane to Panvel in under an hour. From Panvel, NMIA is ~12 km away. CIDCO’s access plan includes dedicated feeder buses, cabs, and shuttles from Panvel station to the airport.
Metro: Present and Future
Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 (Belapur–Pendhar)
Inaugurated in late 2023, this line connects Belapur, Kharghar, Taloja, and Pendhar. While not yet extended to Ulwe, it is expected to feed future shuttle links to NMIA.
Mumbai Metro Line 8 (Gold Line: CSMIA–NMIA) – approved, under planning
This inter-airport metro line will connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai to NMIA, passing through Kurla, Mankhurd, Vashi, Nerul, and Belapur. Thane passengers will use interchange nodes to connect once built.
Buses & Shuttles
NMMT & MSRTC
State-run buses will operate express services between Thane, Panvel, and Ulwe once NMIA opens, ensuring affordable access for commuters.
Private Airport Shuttles
Premium shuttle operators are expected to introduce direct Thane–NMIA services from hubs like Majiwada, Teen Haath Naka, and Hiranandani Estate.
The Takeaway for Thane
- Today: Thane–Belapur Road via Airoli remains the most reliable choice, while the Trans-Harbour Line + shuttle offers an economical option.
- Tomorrow: MTHL, the Gold Line Metro, and direct bus networks will transform airport access, making Thane one of the best-connected catchments in the MMR.
For Thane residents, NMIA is not just an airport—it’s a connectivity upgrade that promises to boost both convenience and real estate potential.
About the Author
Arosh John is a MahaRERA-registered real estate consultant and Editor-in-Chief of Thane Real Estate News. With over a decade of experience in Thane micro-markets, he specialises in infrastructure-led growth, premium housing, and investment advisory across the MMR.
Editorial Disclaimer
This article is based on official CIDCO/MMRDA plans, Maharashtra Government announcements, and reputable news sources. Project details, timelines, and services are subject to change as infrastructure is commissioned. Readers are advised to verify schedules and routes with official agencies before travel. Thane Real Estate News does not assume responsibility for last-minute operational changes.
