Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai has commissioned Taxiway M, a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing airside efficiency and operational resilience. This new taxiway, operational from 25 December 2025, introduces a continuous parallel path alongside the primary Runway 09/27, significantly improving aircraft movement and reducing taxi times during peak hours.
Handling over 950 aircraft movements daily, CSMIA has historically relied on a single Parallel Taxi Track (PTT) N–N1. The introduction of Taxiway M addresses the need for an additional route, reducing dependency on the existing track and enhancing the airport's capacity to manage high-intensity operations. The project, executed during the Fourth Control Period, involved relocating the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) building to ensure uninterrupted emergency response capabilities.
The construction of Taxiway M was completed in approximately 240 days, despite challenges such as the monsoon season and the need for design modifications due to uncharted utilities. The timely completion was achieved through meticulous planning and coordination with stakeholders, alongside approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Taxiway M enhances departure sequencing, allowing aircraft to queue efficiently and take off promptly, thus improving departure capacity during peak periods. It also provides an alternative route during maintenance or disruptions, boosting overall operational resilience. Environmentally, the reduced taxi distances contribute to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions, aligning with CSMIA's commitment to sustainable operations.
With Taxiway M now operational, CSMIA is better equipped to handle current traffic volumes and accommodate future growth, ensuring smoother and more reliable airport operations.
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