Maharashtra Govt Approves Metro 8: ‘Gold Line’ To Seamlessly Connect Mumbai And Navi Mumbai Airports

In a landmark move to enhance urban mobility, the Maharashtra government has approved Metro Line 8, also known as the ‘Gold Line’, to provide direct connectivity between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), according to the Free Press Journal.

The 35-kilometre corridor, part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) Metro Master Plan, is set to enhance airport access and significantly ease travel for millions of passengers.

With NMIA expected to become operational by mid-2025, Metro 8 will play a crucial role in ensuring seamless transit between Mumbai’s two airports.

The route will pass through key areas like Kurla and Mankhurd, integrating with Metro 2B and offering improved public transport options.

Currently, NMIA is accessible via the Atal Setu, with connectivity set to improve further once the Worli-Sewri connector is completed.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model will be used to develop the project, despite past challenges with similar metro ventures in Mumbai.

A Government Resolution issued on Monday (27 January) confirmed the state’s decision, initially taken in May 2024.

While MMRDA was originally in charge of Metro 8, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has now been appointed as the nodal agency and will prepare a detailed project report (DPR), according to a Hindustan Times report.

However, the choice of the PPP model has sparked concerns.

Metro 1, the Ghatkopar-Versova line, was built on a PPP basis between MMRDA and Reliance Infra.

While the metro itself has been a success, the financial structure remains problematic, leading Mumbai’s subsequent metro projects to adopt a contract-based approach without private investment.

Metro Line 8 will consist of 25.8 km of elevated tracks and 8.2 km of underground sections, with 20 stations along its route. The line will also link Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and a proposed Interstate Bus Terminal at Mankhurd, further expanding its reach.

The project is estimated to cost Rs 15,000 crore (as per 2023 data) and will take approximately six years to complete.

Read More: Police Cannot Serve Notices Through WhatsApp Or Other Electronic Means: Supreme Court