In a move that is likely to ease congestion, Mumbai Customs is working on a plan to reduce clearance time for international passengers from 10 minutes to 5 minutes by introducing automation and AI-based systems.
“We are developing a new system called CAPIT, in which we are trying to use AI and ML rather than rely on random checks or manual profiling. Earlier, we would mark bags with chalk or pen. Now, the system flags baggage electronically and connects it with the passenger profile internally,” Joseph Gouda, joint director, Indian Revenue Services (IRS), said.
He was speaking at a panel discussion on ‘Airport passenger infrastructure through innovation’ held on Thursday here, ahead of the Inter Passenger Terminal Show (IPTS) 2025. The panel included members from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Mumbai Customs, terminal operations heads from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports, among others.
India currently has over 2,200 aircraft on order and air traffic is projected to double over the next two decades. “India’s aviation growth presents a dual challenge—securing borders while easing the journey for millions of law-abiding passengers. In Mumbai alone, we clear 22,000–25,000 international travellers daily, averaging 10-minute Customs clearance. Our aim is to cut this to five minutes,” Gouda added.
At Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), expected to begin operations soon, planning has focused on real-time digital tools and data-based terminal management. Vikram Falodiya, head of terminal operations, NMIA, said, “At NMIA, we have the best use technology to manage passenger flow and airside operations, including rapid exit taxiway simulations for faster aircraft movement. Passenger experience is a priority. With surging passenger traffic, cities like Mumbai may need new airports by 2040. Despite the volume, our operational teams perform impressively, and Mumbai ranks high globally for efficiency.”
The roundtable was a precursor to the upcoming IPTS 2025, which will be held on June 11-12 in Mumbai drawing over 3,000 participants from the aviation, infrastructure and regulatory sectors.
