Mumbai Airport Will Start Prepaid Auto Rickshaw Services From June 1

Beginning on June 1, 2025, a prepaid auto rickshaw service will be available at Mumbi's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport's (CSMIA) Terminals 1 and 2. To complete the decision, state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik met with Gajanan Kirtikar, a senior Shinde Sena politician and former MP, in Mantralaya.

The number of passengers is growing every day as a result of the numerous domestic and international airlines that operate out of these terminals. At the moment, these terminals only offer a prepaid cab service. When taxi drivers receive short-distance fares to places like Vile Parle, Andheri, and Santacruz, they lose money since they frequently have to wait for extended periods of time.

For short trips, many travellers prefer auto rickshaws, which encourages unauthorised auto rickshaw drivers to operate outside the airport and overcharge passengers. Gajanan Kirtikar had been persistently pursuing the introduction of prepaid auto rickshaw services, similar to prepaid taxis, with representatives from the Mumbai International Airport Authority, Adani Airport, and the Regional Transport Office.

Gajanan Kirtikar said that the airport authority was postponing the implementation regardless of encouraging reports from every department. Following thorough talks, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik promised all concerned officials that the prepaid auto rickshaw service will begin from June 1 this year during a meeting he presided at Mantralaya. The service will be run by "Happy to Help," a local social organisation.

Airport connectivity is very essential, especially for big cities like Mumbai. During the Maharashtra Budget Session, Ajit Pawar announced that Mumbai Metro will link Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Ajit Pawar said in his eleventh budget presentation that the state budget for 2025-2026 has allocated a total of INR 7.20 lakh crore for expenditures. While INR 6,06,855 crore would be spent, an estimated INR 5,60,964 crore will be received in revenue. This indicates that INR 45,891 crore is the anticipated income imbalance.

According to Ajit Pawar, the state government is committed to growth and would focus on facilitating mobility. He pointed out that significant areas that receive enough support include highways, ports, airports, waterways, bus transportation, railroads, and metros.

In April 2025, domestic flights will start to operate at Navi Mumbai International Airport, as the 85% of the 1,160-hectare project in Navi Mumbai's Ulwe region is completed.