The Maharashtra government has cleared the development of Metro Line 8, a 34.9-km high-speed corridor that will connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The project, estimated at Rs 22,862.07 crore, will be implemented under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer model with 40% Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
A government resolution issued by the Urban Development Department states that City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) will execute the project under a Public-Private Partnership framework. The Centre and the Maharashtra government will each contribute 20% of the VGF, amounting to Rs 3,446 crore each. The private concessionaire will fund 56.72% of the total cost, or Rs 9,773 crore, while NMIA will contribute Rs 564 crore. The order also clarifies that the state will not extend a sovereign guarantee for loans raised by the concessionaire or CIDCO.
The corridor will feature 20 stations, including 14 elevated and six underground. Of the total alignment, 25.09 km will run elevated and 9.8 km underground. The line is expected to ease congestion on major links between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, including the Sion-Panvel Highway and the Atal Setu.
Following the launch of the first phase of NMIA on December 25, 2025, the metro link has been designated a ‘Vital Urban Transport Project’ to ensure seamless airport-to-airport access and cut travel time.
Construction is slated to begin in June 2026, with commissioning targeted for May 2031. A 27.2-hectare depot will be set up at Mandale. Trains are projected to run every 5.32 minutes initially, improving to 3.02 minutes by 2061. Daily ridership is estimated at 9.82 lakh in 2031, with fares ranging from Rs 15 to Rs 125. A high-power committee chaired by the chief secretary will oversee implementation, and affected persons will be rehabilitated through housing or compensation.
Source: Hindustan Times
