December 2, 2025: Mumbai has taken a significant step toward overhauling inter-airport connectivity with the formal approval of Metro Line 8, commonly known as the Gold Line. The 35-kilometre corridor will directly link Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), offering travellers a dependable and time-efficient alternative to road travel. Of the total length, 25.8 km will be elevated and 8.2 km underground, creating a high-capacity, uninterrupted transit line between the two aviation hubs.
Officials noted that the Gold Line is being implemented through a public–private partnership, with CIDCO serving as the nodal agency. The line will run through key transit points such as Kurla, Mankhurd, Vashi, Nerul, and Belapur. Industry experts estimate that once operational, the metro could serve nearly 900,000 passengers a day, substantially reducing pressure on busy eastern corridors, including the Eastern Express Highway. “For years, travellers had limited options for moving between the two airports, relying solely on road transport prone to heavy traffic. The Gold Line provides a seamless solution,” said an urban mobility official.
At present, the journey between the two airports takes between 75 and 120 minutes by road. The new metro aims to cut this to a reliable 30-minute ride, improving efficiency for connecting flights and easing travel for international passengers and long-haul commuters.
Beyond faster airport transfers, the Gold Line strengthens integrated mobility across the metropolitan region. By linking residential, commercial, and aviation clusters, the corridor enhances last-mile connectivity and aligns with broader sustainability goals. Urban planners say the project supports a shift toward low-carbon transportation by reducing vehicular emissions along heavily congested stretches.
Tourism and business sectors are also expected to benefit, with smoother transit encouraging economic activity, improving logistics, and supporting NMIA’s operational readiness. The project will soon move into the tendering phase, with construction expected to span several years.
Designed as a landmark in smart, environmentally aligned transit, the Gold Line is set to redefine airport connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and strengthen the city’s position as a global aviation gateway.
Source: Urban Acres
