By Srinivas Iyer
In a major development, the Maharashtra government has given the green light to Metro Line 8, also known as the ‘Gold Line,’ which will directly link Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The 35-kilometre corridor, part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) Metro Master Plan, promises to significantly improve airport connectivity and streamline travel across the region.
PPP Model Chosen for Development
Despite concerns regarding its previous use, the project will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. While the model has faced criticism due to issues with the financial arrangements of earlier metro projects like Metro 1 (Ghatkopar to Versova), the Maharashtra government has decided to proceed with this approach, with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) now overseeing the project.
Key Features and Connectivity
Metro 8 will feature 25.8 km of elevated tracks and 8.2 km of underground sections, with 20 stations along its route. Key areas such as Kurla, Mankhurd, and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus will be served, along with a proposed Interstate Bus Terminal at Mankhurd. Once operational, the line will provide direct access between the two airports, expected to be crucial as NMIA is set to open by mid-2025. The new line will also connect with the existing Metro 2B.
Timeline and Cost
The project is estimated to cost Rs 15,000 crore and will take approximately six years to complete, marking a significant leap toward improving urban mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
